NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT III
485BPOS, 1997-04-25
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<PAGE>   1
   
     As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 25, 1997
    

                                                       Registration No. 33-87382

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                                Washington, D.C.

                                    Form N-4

             REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                       Pre-Effective Amendment No.                           ( )
   
                      Post-Effective Amendment No. 2                         (X)
    

                                       and

                        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
   
                              Amendment No. 2                                (X)
    
   
                  NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
         (Formerly known as NYLIAC LIFESTAGES ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
                           (Exact Name of Registrant)

                           NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND
                               ANNUITY CORPORATION
                               (Name of Depositor)

                  51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York  10010
               (Address of Depositor's Principal Executive Office)

                  Depositor's Telephone Number: (212) 576-7000

                              Linda M. Reimer, Esq.
                 New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
                                51 Madison Avenue
                            New York, New York 10010
                     (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                                    Copy to:

Michael Berenson, Esq.                          Michael J. McLaughlin, Esq.
Jorden Burt Berenson & Johnson, LLP             Senior Vice President
1025 Thomas Jefferson St., N.W.                 and General Counsel
Suite 400 East                                  New York Life Insurance Company
Washington, D.C.  20007                         51 Madison Avenue
                                                New York, New York  10010

Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effective date of this Registration Statement.

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)

   immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
- --
 X on May 1, 1997 pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 485.
- --
   60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.
- --
   on ___________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of Rule 485.
- --
   75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
- --
   on ___________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
- --

         Pursuant to Rule 24f-2 under the Investment Company Act of 1940,
Registrant has registered an indefinite amount of the securities being offered
pursuant to this Registration Statement. On February 25, 1997, Registrant filed
its Form 24F-2 for Registrant's most recent fiscal year.
<PAGE>   2
                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET


                      INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A PROSPECTUS

   
<TABLE>
Item of Form N-4                                   Prospectus Caption
- ----------------                                   ------------------
<S>                                                <C>
 1.      Cover Page                                Cover Page

 2.      Definitions                               Definitions

 3.      Synopsis                                  Fee Table

 4.      Condensed Financial Information           Condensed Financial Information

 5.      General Description of Registrant,        New York Life Insurance and Annuity
         Depositor and Portfolio Companies         Corporation; The Separate Account; The
                                                   Portfolios; Voting Rights

 6.      Deductions and Expenses                   Charges and Deductions; Fee Table;
                                                   Federal Tax Matters; Distributor of the Policies

 7.      General Description of Variable           The Policies; Distributions Under the Policy;
         Annuity Contracts                         Voting Rights; Charges and Deductions; The
                                                   Fixed Account

 8.      Annuity Period                            Income Payments

 9.      Death Benefit                             Distributions Under the Policy

10.      Purchases and Contract Value              Policy Application and Premium Payments;
                                                   Accumulation Period

11.      Redemptions                               Surrenders and Withdrawals; Income Payments;
                                                   Cancellations

12.      Taxes                                     Federal Tax Matters

13.      Legal Proceedings                         Statement of Additional Information - Legal
                                                   Proceedings

14.      Table of Contents of the Statement of     Table of Contents for the Statement of
         Additional Information                    Additional Information
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   3
          INFORMATION REQUIRED IN A STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  Statement of Additional
Item of Form N-4                                    Information Caption
- ----------------                                  -----------------------
<S>                                               <C>                                                                              
15.      Cover Page                               Cover Page

16.      Table of Contents                        Table of Contents

17.      General Information & History            Not Applicable

18.      Services                                 Safekeeping of Separate Account Assets

19.      Purchase of Securities Being Offered     Distributor of the Policies

20.      Underwriters                             Distributor of the Policies

21.      Calculation of Performance Data          Investment Performance Calculations

22.      Annuity Payments                         Valuation of Accumulation Units

23.      Financial Statements                     Financial Statements
</TABLE>
    
<PAGE>   4
 
   
                          PROSPECTUS DATED MAY 1, 1997
    
 
                                      FOR
 
                       LIFESTAGES(SM)--A VARIABLE ANNUITY
                                      FROM
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
                            (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
                  51 MADISON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10010
   
                                  INVESTING IN
    
   
                  NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
       (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NYLIAC LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
     This Prospectus describes individual flexible premium LifeStages(SM)
annuity policies offered by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
("NYLIAC"). The policies are primarily designed
to assist individuals in their retirement planning, and can be used in
connection both with plans that do and plans that do not qualify for special
federal income tax treatment. Premium payments accumulate on a tax-deferred
basis and can be later distributed under a number of different methods. The
policies offer flexible premium payments, access to cash value through partial
withdrawals (although certain withdrawals may be subject to a surrender charge
and/or tax penalty), a choice of when income payments will commence, and a
guaranteed payment of premiums (or the policy's value, if greater) to the
beneficiary if the owner or annuitant dies before income payments have
commenced. The policies also offer a choice of premium allocation alternatives,
including a guaranteed interest option and the eighteen separate account
variable investment divisions listed below.
 
   
<TABLE>
     <S>  <C>
     -    MainStay VP Capital Appreciation
     -    MainStay VP Cash Management
     -    MainStay VP Convertible
     -    MainStay VP Government
     -    MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond
     -    MainStay VP International Equity
     -    MainStay VP Total Return
     -    MainStay VP Value
     -    MainStay VP Bond
     -    MainStay VP Growth Equity
     -    MainStay VP Indexed Equity
     -    Alger American Small Capitalization
     -    Calvert Socially Responsible
     -    Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund
     -    Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income
     -    Janus Aspen Balanced
     -    Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth
     -    Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity
</TABLE>
    
 
We do not guarantee the investment performance of these investment divisions,
which involve varying degrees of risk.
 
     This Prospectus provides information that a prospective investor should
know before investing. Please read it carefully and retain it for future
reference. This Prospectus is not valid unless attached to current prospectuses
for the MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc., The Alger American Fund, the Acacia
Capital Corporation, the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II, the
Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, the Janus Aspen Series and the Morgan
Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.
 
   
     Registration statements relating to the policies and the separate account
have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A Statement of
Additional Information, dated May 1, 1997, is incorporated herein by reference.
The Statement of Additional Information is available free by writing NYLIAC at
the address above or by calling (800) 598-2019. The table of contents for the
Statement of Additional Information is included at the end of this Prospectus.
    
 
     THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
     SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK, AND ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FDIC, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY. PREMIUMS ALLOCATED TO THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
ARE SUBJECT TO INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL INVESTED.
    
<PAGE>   5
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         PAGE
                                         ----
<S>                                      <C>
DEFINITIONS............................    3
FEE TABLE..............................    6
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
  LIFESTAGES(SM).......................   10
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................   16
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION........   17
NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY
  CORPORATION AND THE SEPARATE
  ACCOUNT..............................   18
  New York Life Insurance and Annuity
     Corporation.......................   18
  The Separate Account.................   18
  The Portfolios.......................   18
  Additions, Deletions or Substitutions
     of Investments....................   20
  Reinvestment.........................   20
THE POLICIES...........................   20
  Purpose of Policies..................   20
  Types of Policies....................   21
  Policy Application and Premium
     Payments..........................   21
  Issue Ages...........................   22
  Transfers............................   22
  Procedures for Telephone Transfers...   23
  Dollar Cost Averaging................   23
  Automatic Asset Reallocation.........   24
  Interest Sweep.......................   24
  Accumulation Period..................   25
     (a) Crediting of Premium
          Payments.....................   25
     (b) Valuation of Accumulation
          Units........................   25
  Owner Inquiries......................   26
CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS.................   26
  Surrender Charges....................   26
  Amount of Surrender Charge...........   26
  Exceptions to Surrender Charges......   26
  Other Charges........................   27
  Group and Sponsored Arrangements.....   28
  Taxes................................   28
DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE POLICY.........   29
  Surrenders and Withdrawals...........   29
     (a) Surrenders....................   29
     (b) Partial Withdrawals...........   30
     (c) Periodic Partial
          Withdrawals..................   30
     (d) Hardship Withdrawals..........   30
  Required Minimum Distribution
      Option...........................   31
  Cancellations........................   31
  Annuity Commencement Date............   31
  Death Before Annuity Commencement....   31
  Income Payments......................   32
     (a) Election of Income Payment
          Options......................   32
     (b) Other Methods of Payment......   33
     (c) Proof of Survivorship.........   33
  Delay of Payments....................   33
  Designation of Beneficiary...........   33
  Restrictions Under Internal Revenue
     Code Section 403(b)(11)...........   34
  Loans................................   34
  Riders...............................   35
     (a) Living Needs Benefit Rider....   35
     (b) Unemployment Benefit  Rider...   35
THE FIXED ACCOUNT......................   36
     (a) Interest Crediting............   36
     (b) Transfers to Investment
          Divisions....................   36
     (c) Fixed Account Initial  Premium
         Guarantee.....................   37
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS....................   37
  Introduction.........................   37
  Taxation of Annuities in General.....   38
  Qualified Plans......................   39
     (a) Section 403(b) Plans..........   39
     (b) Individual Retirement
          Annuities....................   39
     (c) Deferred Compensation  Plans..   39
DISTRIBUTOR OF THE POLICIES............   40
VOTING RIGHTS..........................   40
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE STATEMENT OF
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...............   41
</TABLE>
    
 
     THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFERING IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE. NYLIAC DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY
INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE OFFERING DESCRIBED IN THIS
PROSPECTUS OTHER THAN AS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS OR ANY ATTACHED SUPPLEMENT
THERETO OR IN ANY SUPPLEMENTAL SALES MATERIAL AUTHORIZED BY NYLIAC.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  DEFINITIONS
 
ACCUMULATION PERIOD--The period before the Annuity Commencement Date and during
the lifetime of the Annuitant.
 
ACCUMULATION UNIT--An accounting unit used to calculate the Variable
Accumulation Value prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. Each Investment
Division of the Separate Account has a distinct Variable Accumulation Unit
value.
 
ACCUMULATION VALUE--The Variable Accumulation Value, if any, plus the Fixed
Accumulation Value, if any, of a Policy for any Valuation Period.
 
AGE--Age on the nearest birthday.
 
ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES--The Investment Divisions of the Separate Account and
the Fixed Account constitute the Allocation Alternatives.
 
ANNUITANT--The person named in the Application and whose life determines the
Income Payments, and upon whose death, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date
benefits under the Policy may be paid.
 
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE--The date on which the first Income Payment under the
Policy is to be made.
 
BENEFICIARY--The person or entity having the right to receive the death benefit
set forth in the Policy and who is the "designated beneficiary" for purposes of
Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code in the event of the Annuitant's or
the Owner's death.
 
   
BUSINESS DAY--Generally, any day on which NYLIAC is open and the New York Stock
Exchange is open for trading. We are closed on national holidays, Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving. In addition, we may choose to
close on the day immediately preceding or following a national holiday. Our
Business Day ends at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time or the closing of the New York Stock
Exchange, if earlier.
    
 
   
CORPORATION--("NYLIAC," "we," "us," "our")--New York Life Insurance and Annuity
Corporation, which is a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary of New York Life
Insurance Company.
    
 
   
ELIGIBLE PORTFOLIOS ("PORTFOLIOS")--The available mutual fund Portfolios of the
Funds. The MainStay VP Series Fund currently has eleven Portfolios available for
investment by the Investment Divisions of the Separate Account: the MainStay VP
Capital Appreciation, MainStay VP Cash Management, MainStay VP Convertible,
MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond, MainStay VP
International Equity, MainStay VP Total Return, MainStay VP Value, MainStay VP
Bond, MainStay VP Growth Equity and MainStay VP Indexed Equity Portfolios. The
Alger American Fund has one Portfolio available to the Separate Account: the
Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio. The Acacia Fund has one Portfolio
available to the Separate Account: the Calvert Responsibly Invested Balanced
Portfolio ("Calvert Socially Responsible Portfolio"). The Fidelity Funds have
two Portfolios available to the Separate Account: the Contrafund Portfolio of
the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II ("Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund
Portfolio") and the Equity-Income Portfolio of the Fidelity Variable Insurance
Products Fund ("Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income Portfolio"). The Janus Aspen Series
has two Portfolios available to the Separate Account: the Balanced Portfolio of
the Janus Aspen Series ("Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio") and the Worldwide
Growth Portfolio of the Janus Aspen Series
    
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   7
 
("Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolio"). The Morgan Stanley Fund has one
Portfolio available to the Separate Account: the Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio of the Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. ("Morgan Stanley Emerging
Markets Equity Portfolio").
 
FIXED ACCOUNT--Assets in the Fixed Account are not part of the Separate Account.
The Accumulation Value of the Fixed Account is supported by assets in the
General Account of the Corporation, which are subject to the claims of its
general creditors.
 
FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE--The sum of premiums and transfers allocated to the
Fixed Account, plus interest credited on those Premium Payments and transfers,
less transfers and any Partial Withdrawals from the Fixed Account, and less any
surrender charges and the Policy Fee that may have already been assessed from
the Fixed Account.
 
FIXED INCOME PAYMENTS--Income Payments having a guaranteed amount.
 
   
FUNDS (EACH, INDIVIDUALLY, A "FUND")--The MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.
("MainStay VP Series Fund" and, formerly, "New York Life MFA Series Fund,
Inc."), The Alger American Fund ("The Alger American Fund"), the Acacia Capital
Corporation ("Acacia Fund"), the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund and
the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II (collectively, the "Fidelity
Variable Insurance Products Funds" or the "Fidelity Funds"), the Janus Aspen
Series and the Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. ("Morgan Stanley Fund").
    
 
INCOME PAYMENTS--Periodic payments made by NYLIAC to the Payee, generally after
the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
INVESTMENT DIVISION ("DIVISION")--A division of the Separate Account. Each
Investment Division invests exclusively in shares of a specified Eligible
Portfolio.
 
ISSUE DATE--The date the Policy is executed.
 
NON-QUALIFIED POLICIES--Policies that do not qualify for special federal income
tax treatment.
 
   
OWNER ("YOU," "YOUR")--The person(s) or entity designated as the owner in the
Policy (or surviving spouse of the Owner who is named as Beneficiary, and who
becomes the new Owner), or as subsequently changed, and upon whose death prior
to the Annuity Commencement Date benefits under the Policy may be paid.
Generally, NYLIAC will not issue a Policy to joint Owners, unless there is a
spousal relationship. However, if NYLIAC makes an exception and issues a jointly
owned Policy, ownership rights and privileges under the Policy must be exercised
jointly.
    
 
PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL--Any part of the Accumulation Value paid to you, at your
request, in accordance with the terms of the Policy.
 
PAYEE--A recipient of payments under the Policy.
 
PAYMENT YEAR(S)--With respect to any Premium Payment, the year(s) commencing on
the date of such Premium Payment.
 
POLICY--The LifeStages(SM) annuity policy offered by NYLIAC that is described in
this Prospectus.
 
POLICY ANNIVERSARY--An anniversary of the Policy Date displayed on the Policy
Data Page.
 
   
POLICY DATA PAGE--Page 2 of the Policy, containing the Policy specifications.
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   8
 
POLICY DATE--The date from which Policy Years, quarters, months and
anniversaries are measured. It is shown on the Policy Data Page.
 
POLICY YEAR--A year commencing on the Policy Date. Subsequent Policy Years begin
on each Policy Anniversary, unless otherwise indicated.
 
PREMIUM PAYMENT--An amount paid to the Corporation as consideration for the
benefits provided by the Policy.
 
PURCHASE DATE--The Business Day on which a Premium Payment is received by us and
credited under the Policy.
 
QUALIFIED POLICIES--Policies issued under plans that qualify for special federal
income tax treatment.
 
   
REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION--An amount the Internal Revenue Service requires
the Owners of certain Qualified Policies to withdraw each year generally
commencing with the year the Owner reaches age 70 1/2. For IRA and TSA Owners,
NYLIAC offers a Required Minimum Distribution Option. Under this Option, NYLIAC
will calculate and process the annual Required Minimum Distribution for such
Policies beginning at age 70 1/2.
    
 
   
SEPARATE ACCOUNT--NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate Account-III a segregated
asset account established by NYLIAC to receive and invest Premium Payments paid
under the Policies and into which assets are placed for the purchasers of the
Policies. Prior to April 11, 1997, NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate Account-III
was known as NYLIAC LifeStages(SM) Annuity Separate Account.
    
 
SURRENDER CHARGE--An amount charged by the Corporation during the first six (6)
Payment Years after any Premium Payment is made, when a Partial Withdrawal of
the Accumulation Value is made or when the Policy is surrendered for its
Accumulation Value.
 
   
VALUATION PERIOD--The period, consisting of one or more days, from one Valuation
Time to the next succeeding Valuation Time.
    
 
   
VALUATION TIME--The time of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (currently
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time) on any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open.
    
 
VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE--The sum of the products of the current Accumulation
Unit value(s) for each of the Investment Divisions multiplied by the number of
Accumulation Units held in the respective Investment Division.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   9
 
                                   FEE TABLE
   
                  NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   MAINSTAY                            MAINSTAY VP
                                                    MAINSTAY VP       VP                    MAINSTAY   HIGH YIELD    MAINSTAY VP
                                                      CAPITAL        CASH     MAINSTAY VP      VP       CORPORATE   INTERNATIONAL
                                                    APPRECIATION  MANAGEMENT  CONVERTIBLE  GOVERNMENT     BOND         EQUITY
                                                    ------------  ----------  -----------  ----------  -----------  -------------
<S>                                                 <C>           
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Load(a)
    (as a % of amount withdrawn)...................        7%           7%          7%           7%          7%            7%
  Transfer Fee..................................... NYLIAC reserves the right to charge up to $30 for each transfer in excess of
                                                    12 transfers per Policy Year.
  Annual Policy Fee................................ Lesser of $30 per Policy or 2% of the Accumulation Value, for Policies with
                                                    less than $20,000 of Accumulation Value.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
  (as a % of average account value)
  Mortality and Expense Risk Fees..................     1.25%        1.25%       1.25%        1.25%       1.25%         1.25%
  Administration Fees..............................     0.15%        0.15%       0.15%        0.15%       0.15%         0.15%
  Total Separate Account Annual
    Expenses.......................................     1.40%        1.40%       1.40%        1.40%       1.40%         1.40%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES AFTER REIMBURSEMENT
  (as a % of average account value)
  Advisory Fees....................................     0.36%        0.25%       0.36%        0.30%       0.30%         0.60%
  Administration Fees..............................     0.20%        0.20%       0.20%        0.20%       0.20%         0.20%
  Other Expenses...................................     0.19%(b)     0.19%(b)    0.17%(c)     0.21%(b)    0.17%(c)      0.17%(c)
  Total Fund Annual Expenses.......................     0.75%(b)     0.64%(b)    0.73%(c)     0.71%(b)    0.67%(c)      0.97%(c)
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                                     MAINSTAY VP
                                                        TOTAL     MAINSTAY VP  MAINSTAY VP
                                                       RETURN        VALUE        BOND
                                                     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>          <C>
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Load(a)
    (as a % of amount withdrawn)...................        7%           7%           7%
  Transfer Fee.....................................
 
  Annual Policy Fee................................
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
  (as a % of average account value)
  Mortality and Expense Risk Fees..................     1.25%        1.25%        1.25%
  Administration Fees..............................     0.15%        0.15%        0.15%
  Total Separate Account Annual
    Expenses.......................................     1.40%        1.40%        1.40%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES AFTER REIMBURSEMENT
  (as a % of average account value)
  Advisory Fees....................................     0.32%        0.36%        0.25%
  Administration Fees..............................     0.20%        0.20%        0.20%
  Other Expenses...................................     0.19%(b)     0.17%(c)     0.13%(b)
  Total Fund Annual Expenses.......................     0.71%(b)     0.73%(c)     0.58%(b)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(a)  The contingent deferred sales load percentage applicable to any amount
     withdrawn declines by 1% each Payment Year from 7% during the first three
     Payment Years to 4% in the sixth Payment Year, with no charge thereafter.
     See "Surrender Charges" on page 26.
    
   
(b)  An expense reimbursement agreement which limited "Other Expenses" to 0.17%
     annually was in effect until December 31, 1996. "Other Expenses" and "Total
     Fund Annual Expenses" have been restated to reflect the absence of this
     limitation in 1996.
    
   
(c)  These numbers reflect an expense reimbursement agreement effective through
     December 31, 1997 limiting "Other Expenses" to 0.17% annually. In the
     absence of the expense reimbursement arrangement, the "Total Fund Annual
     Expenses" for the year ended December 31, 1996 would have been 1.46%,
     0.71%, 1.51% and 0.79% for the MainStay VP Convertible, MainStay VP High
     Yield Corporate Bond, MainStay VP International Equity and MainStay VP
     Value Portfolios, respectively. Numbers for the MainStay VP Convertible
     Portfolio have been annualized based on the period from October 1, 1996
     (the date of inception) to December 31, 1996.
    
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   10
 
                             FEE TABLE--(CONTINUED)
   
                  NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          ALGER
                                        MAINSTAY VP    MAINSTAY VP       AMERICAN         CALVERT       FIDELITY     FIDELITY VIP:
                                          GROWTH         INDEXED          SMALL          SOCIALLY       VIP II:         EQUITY
                                          EQUITY         EQUITY       CAPITALIZATION    RESPONSIBLE    CONTRAFUND       INCOME
                                        -----------    -----------    --------------    -----------    ----------    -------------
<S>                                     <C>            
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales
    Load(a) (as a % of amount
    withdrawn).......................         7%             7%               7%              7%             7%             7%
  Transfer Fee.......................   NYLIAC reserves the right to charge up to $30 for each transfer in excess of 12 transfers
                                        per Policy Year.
  Annual Policy Fee..................   Lesser of $30 per Policy or 2% of the Accumulation Value, for Policies with less than
                                        $20,000 of Accumulation Value.
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
  (as a % of average account value)
  Mortality and Expense Risk Fees....      1.25%          1.25%            1.25%           1.25%          1.25%          1.25%
  Administration Fees................      0.15%          0.15%            0.15%           0.15%          0.15%          0.15%
  Total Separate Account Annual
    Expenses.........................      1.40%          1.40%            1.40%           1.40%          1.40%          1.40%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES AFTER
  REIMBURSEMENT
  (as a % of average account value)
  Advisory Fees......................      0.25%          0.10%            0.85%           0.71%(d)       0.61%          0.51%
  Administration Fees................      0.20%          0.20%               --              --             --             --
  Other Expenses.....................      0.13%(b)       0.20%(b)         0.03%           0.13%(d)       0.13%          0.07%
  Total Fund Annual Expenses.........      0.58%(b)       0.50%(b)         0.88%           0.84%(d)       0.74%(e)       0.58%(e)
 
<CAPTION>
 
                                        JANUS      JANUS ASPEN    MORGAN STANLEY
                                        ASPEN       WORLDWIDE        EMERGING
                                       BALANCED      GROWTH       MARKETS EQUITY
                                       --------    -----------    --------------
<S>                                     <C>        <C>            <C>
OWNER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
  Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales
    Load(a) (as a % of amount
    withdrawn).......................       7%           7%               7%
  Transfer Fee.......................
 
  Annual Policy Fee..................
 
SEPARATE ACCOUNT ANNUAL EXPENSES
  (as a % of average account value)
  Mortality and Expense Risk Fees....    1.25%        1.25%            1.25%
  Administration Fees................    0.15%        0.15%            0.15%
  Total Separate Account Annual
    Expenses.........................    1.40%        1.40%            1.40%
FUND ANNUAL EXPENSES AFTER
  REIMBURSEMENT
  (as a % of average account value)
  Advisory Fees......................    0.79%        0.66%            0.85%
  Administration Fees................       --           --            0.25%
  Other Expenses.....................    0.15%        0.14%            0.65%
  Total Fund Annual Expenses.........    0.94%(f)     0.80%(f)         1.75%(g)
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(d)  "Other Expenses" are based on expenses for fiscal year 1996, and have been
     restated to reflect an increase in transfer agency expenses of 0.03%
     expected to be incurred in 1997. The "Advisory Fee" includes a performance
     adjustment which could cause the fee to be as high as 0.85% or as low as
     0.55%, depending on performance. "Other Expenses" reflect an indirect fee
     of 0.03%. "Total Fund Annual Expenses" after reductions for fees paid
     indirectly would have been 0.81%.
    
   
(e)  A portion of the brokerage commissions that these Portfolios pay was used
     to reduce the Portfolios' annual expenses. In addition, these Portfolios
     have entered into arrangements with their custodian and transfer agent
     whereby interest earned on uninvested cash balances was used to reduce
     custodian and transfer agent expenses. Including these reductions, the
     "Total Fund Annual Expenses" would have been 0.71% for the Fidelity VIP II:
     Contrafund Portfolio and 0.56% for the Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income
     Portfolio.
    
   
(f)  Janus Capital Corporation ("JCC") has agreed to reduce the advisory fee for
     each Portfolio to the extent that such fee exceeds the effective rate of
     the Janus retail fund corresponding to such Portfolio. JCC may terminate
     this fee reduction at any time upon 90 days' notice to the Board of
     Trustees of the Janus Aspen Series. Absent such reductions, "Advisory Fees"
     and "Total Fund Annual Expenses" for the fiscal year ended December 31,
     1996 would have been: 0.92% and 1.07%, respectively, for the Janus Aspen
     Balanced Portfolio and 0.77% and 0.91%, respectively, for the Janus Aspen
     Worldwide Growth Portfolio.
    
   
(g)  "Other Expenses" for the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio
     are estimated for the current fiscal year. Morgan Stanley Asset Management
     Inc. has agreed to a reduction of its management fees and to reimburse the
     Portfolio if such fees would cause the "Total Fund Annual Expenses" to
     exceed 1.75% of average daily net assets. Absent such reductions, it is
     estimated that "Advisory Fees" and "Total Fund Annual Expenses" would be
     1.25% and 6.17%, respectively.
    
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   11
 
   
     The purpose of this Table is to assist the Owner in understanding the
various costs and expenses that an Owner will bear directly and indirectly. The
Table reflects charges and expenses of the Separate Account as well as the
Funds; charges and expenses may be higher or lower in future years. For more
information on the charges described in this Table see Charges and Deductions at
page 26 and the Fund Prospectuses which accompany this Prospectus. NYLIAC may,
where premium taxes are imposed by state law, deduct premium taxes on surrender
of the Policy or on the Annuity Commencement Date.
    
 
EXAMPLES(1)
 
     An Owner would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment in one of
the Investment Divisions listed, assuming a 5% annual return on assets:
 
        1. If you surrender your Policy at the end of the applicable time
period:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                         -------    --------    --------    --------
            <S>                                          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
            MainStay VP Capital Appreciation..........   $ 89.69    $ 145.08    $ 182.90    $ 281.29
            MainStay VP Cash Management...............   $ 88.64    $ 141.92    $ 177.54    $ 270.08
            MainStay VP Convertible...................   $ 89.49    $ 144.50    $ 181.93    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Government....................   $ 89.31    $ 143.93    $ 180.96    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond.....   $ 88.93    $ 142.78    $ 179.01    $ 273.16
            MainStay VP International Equity..........   $ 91.79    $ 151.35    $ 193.51    $ 303.31
            MainStay VP Total Return..................   $ 89.31    $ 143.93    $ 180.96    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP Value.........................   $ 89.49    $ 144.50    $ 181.93    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Bond..........................   $ 88.07    $ 140.21    $ 174.64    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Growth Equity.................   $ 88.07    $ 140.21    $ 174.64    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Indexed Equity................   $ 87.30    $ 137.91    $ 170.72    $ 255.68
            Alger American Small Capitalization.......   $ 90.93    $ 148.79    $ 189.18    $ 294.36
            Calvert Socially Responsible..............   $ 90.55    $ 147.64    $ 187.25    $ 290.35
            Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund...............   $ 89.60    $ 144.79    $ 182.41    $ 280.27
            Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income...............   $ 88.07    $ 140.21    $ 174.64    $ 263.94
            Janus Aspen Balanced......................   $ 91.51    $ 150.51    $ 192.08    $ 300.35
            Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth..............   $ 90.17    $ 146.50    $ 185.32    $ 286.33
            Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity....   $ 99.27    $ 173.40    $ 230.36    $ 377.65
</TABLE>
    
 
        2. If you annuitize your Policy at the end of the applicable time
period:
 
   
<TABLE>
            <S>                                          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
            MainStay VP Capital Appreciation..........   $ 89.69    $  77.26    $ 132.02    $ 281.29
            MainStay VP Cash Management...............   $ 88.64    $  73.87    $ 126.38    $ 270.08
            MainStay VP Convertible...................   $ 89.49    $  76.64    $ 131.00    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Government....................   $ 89.31    $  76.03    $ 129.98    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond.....   $ 88.93    $  74.80    $ 127.93    $ 273.16
            MainStay VP International Equity..........   $ 91.79    $  83.97    $ 143.18    $ 303.31
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(1) For purposes of calculating these Examples, the annual policy fee has been
    expressed as an annual percentage of assets based on the average size of
    Policies having an Accumulation Value of less than $20,000 on December 31,
    1996. This calculation method reasonably estimates annual policy fees
    applicable to Policies having an Accumulation Value of less than $20,000 but
    does not reflect that no annual policy fees are applicable to Policies
    having an Accumulation Value of $20,000 or greater. This means that the fees
    would be slightly less if your Policy has an Accumulation Value of $20,000
    or greater on the Policy Anniversary or date of surrender.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   12
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         1 YEAR     3 YEARS     5 YEARS     10 YEARS
                                                         -------    --------    --------    --------
            <S>                                          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
            MainStay VP Total Return..................   $ 89.31    $  76.03    $ 129.98    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP Value.........................   $ 89.49    $  76.64    $ 131.00    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Bond..........................   $ 88.07    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Growth Equity.................   $ 88.07    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Indexed Equity................   $ 87.30    $  69.58    $ 119.20    $ 255.68
            Alger American Small Capitalization.......   $ 90.93    $  81.23    $ 138.62    $ 294.36
            Calvert Socially Responsible..............   $ 90.55    $  80.01    $ 136.59    $ 290.35
            Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund...............   $ 89.60    $  76.95    $ 131.50    $ 280.27
            Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income...............   $ 88.07    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            Janus Aspen Balanced......................   $ 91.51    $  83.08    $ 141.67    $ 300.35
            Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth..............   $ 90.17    $  78.78    $ 134.56    $ 286.33
            Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity....   $ 99.27    $ 107.58    $ 181.96    $ 377.65
</TABLE>
    
 
        3. If you do not surrender your Policy:
 
   
<TABLE>
            <S>                                          <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
            MainStay VP Capital Appreciation..........   $ 25.12    $  77.26    $ 132.02    $ 281.29
            MainStay VP Cash Management...............   $ 24.00    $  73.87    $ 126.38    $ 270.08
            MainStay VP Convertible...................   $ 24.91    $  76.64    $ 131.00    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Government....................   $ 24.72    $  76.03    $ 129.98    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond.....   $ 24.31    $  74.80    $ 127.93    $ 273.16
            MainStay VP International Equity..........   $ 27.37    $  83.97    $ 143.18    $ 303.31
            MainStay VP Total Return..................   $ 24.72    $  76.03    $ 129.98    $ 277.23
            MainStay VP Value.........................   $ 24.91    $  76.64    $ 131.00    $ 279.27
            MainStay VP Bond..........................   $ 23.39    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Growth Equity.................   $ 23.39    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            MainStay VP Indexed Equity................   $ 22.57    $  69.58    $ 119.20    $ 255.68
            Alger American Small Capitalization.......   $ 26.45    $  81.23    $ 138.62    $ 294.36
            Calvert Socially Responsible..............   $ 26.04    $  80.01    $ 136.59    $ 290.35
            Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund...............   $ 25.02    $  76.95    $ 131.50    $ 280.27
            Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income...............   $ 23.39    $  72.05    $ 123.32    $ 263.94
            Janus Aspen Balanced......................   $ 27.07    $  83.08    $ 141.67    $ 300.35
            Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth..............   $ 25.63    $  78.78    $ 134.56    $ 286.33
            Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity....   $ 35.34    $ 107.58    $ 181.96    $ 377.65
</TABLE>
    
 
THESE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED REPRESENTATIONS OF PAST OR FUTURE
PERFORMANCE OR EXPENSES. THE ACTUAL EXPENSES PAID OR PERFORMANCE ACHIEVED MAY BE
GREATER OR LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   13
 
                   QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT LIFESTAGES(SM)
 
     NOTE:  THE FOLLOWING SECTION CONTAINS BRIEF QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
LIFESTAGES(SM). REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE BODY OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR MORE
DETAILED INFORMATION. ALSO, "YOU" OR "YOUR" REFERS TO THE OWNER; "NYLIAC," "WE,"
"US" OR "OUR" REFERS TO NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION.
 
1. WHAT IS LIFESTAGES(SM)?
 
     LifeStages(SM), a Variable Annuity issued by NYLIAC, is a Flexible Premium
Deferred Variable Retirement Annuity policy. Premium Payments may be allocated
to one or more of the Investment Divisions of the Separate Account or to the
Fixed Account. The Separate Account in turn invests in shares of the Eligible
Portfolios of the Funds. The Accumulation Value will vary in amount according to
the investment results of the Investment Divisions selected and the interest
credited on the Fixed Accumulation Value.
 
     2. WHAT ARE THE AVAILABLE ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES?
 
     As selected by the Owner, Premium Payments are allocated to one or more of
the following Allocation Alternatives:
 
        (a) SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
             The Separate Account consists of eighteen Investment Divisions.
 
   
             The Investment Divisions of the Separate Account invest exclusively
        in shares of the Funds, each an open-end management investment company.
        The MainStay VP Series Fund has eleven Eligible Portfolios available for
        investment through the Investment Divisions of the Separate Account: the
        MainStay VP Capital Appreciation Portfolio, the MainStay VP Cash
        Management Portfolio, the MainStay VP Convertible Portfolio, the
        MainStay VP Government Portfolio, the MainStay VP High Yield Corporate
        Bond Portfolio, the MainStay VP International Equity Portfolio, the
        MainStay VP Total Return Portfolio, the MainStay VP Value Portfolio, the
        MainStay VP Bond Portfolio, the MainStay VP Growth Equity Portfolio and
        the MainStay VP Indexed Equity Portfolio. The Alger American Fund has
        one Eligible Portfolio available through the Investment Divisions of the
        Separate Account: the Alger American Small Capitalization Portfolio. The
        Acacia Fund has one Eligible Portfolio available for investment through
        the Investment Divisions of the Separate Account: the Calvert Socially
        Responsible Portfolio. The Fidelity Funds have two Eligible Portfolios
        available to the Separate Account: the Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund and
        Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income Portfolios. The Janus Aspen Series has two
        Eligible Portfolios available to the Separate Account: the Janus Aspen
        Balanced and Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolios. The Morgan Stanley
        Fund has one Eligible Portfolio available to the Separate Account: the
        Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio. Each Investment
        Division of the Separate Account will invest exclusively in the
        corresponding Eligible Portfolio.
    
 
        (b) FIXED ACCOUNT
 
   
             Each Premium Payment, or portion thereof, allocated to the Fixed
        Account will reflect a fixed interest rate. (See "The Fixed Account" at
        page 36.)
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   14
 
3. CAN AMOUNTS BE TRANSFERRED AMONG THE ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES?
 
   
     Prior to 30 days before the Annuity Commencement Date, transfers of the
value of Accumulation Units in one Investment Division to another Investment
Division, or to the Fixed Account, are permitted. The minimum amount which may
be transferred generally is $500, unless we agree otherwise. Unlimited transfers
are permitted each Policy Year, although NYLIAC reserves the right to charge up
to $30 per transfer for each transfer after the first twelve in a given Policy
Year. (See "Transfers" at page 22.)
    
 
   
     For transfers made from the Fixed Account to the Investment Divisions, see
"The Fixed Account" at page 36. In addition, Owners can request transfers
through the Dollar Cost Averaging, Automatic Asset Reallocation, or Interest
Sweep options described at pages 23 and 24 of this Prospectus.
    
 
4. WHAT ARE THE CHARGES OR DEDUCTIONS?
 
   
     During the Accumulation Period for the Policies, a charge for Policy
administration expenses will be made once each year on the Policy Anniversary or
upon Policy surrender if on that date the Accumulation Value does not equal or
exceed $20,000. This charge will be the lesser of $30 or 2% of the Accumulation
Value at the end of the Policy Year or on the date of surrender. All Policies
are subject to a daily charge for policy administration expenses equal, on an
annual basis, to .15% of the daily net asset value of the Separate Account. (See
"Other Charges" at page 27.)
    
 
   
     All Policies are subject to a daily charge for certain mortality and
expense risks assumed by NYLIAC. This charge is equal, on an annual basis, to
1.25% of the daily net asset value of the Separate Account. (See "Other Charges"
at page 27.)
    
 
   
     Although there is no deduction from Premium Payments for sales charges, a
contingent deferred sales charge ("Surrender Charge") may be imposed on certain
partial withdrawals or surrenders of the Policies up to the amount of Premium
Payments made. This charge is imposed as a percentage of the amount withdrawn
during the first six Payment Years following the applicable Premium Payment.
Unless required otherwise by state laws, the applicable percentage is 7% at the
onset and then declines after the first three Payment Years following such
Premium Payment by 1% per year to 4% in the sixth Payment Year, with no charge
thereafter. The percentage of the applicable Surrender Charge varies, depending
upon the length of time elapsed between NYLIAC's receipt of a Premium Payment
and the withdrawal attributable to such Premium Payment--that is, the number of
Payment Years elapsed since the applicable Premium Payment was made. For
purposes of calculating the applicable Surrender Charge, Premium Payments will
be deemed to be withdrawn on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis, i.e., in the
order in which they are received. For all Policies, the Surrender Charge will
only be applied to any amounts withdrawn in any Policy Year which, when added to
all other surrender charge free withdrawals in that Policy Year, exceed 10% of
the Accumulation Value at the time of surrender ("10% Window"). In addition, for
Policies with accumulated Premium Payments of $100,000 or more, the greater of
(a) the 10% Window, or (b) the Accumulation Value of the Policy less the
accumulated Premium Payments can be withdrawn in any Policy Year without charge.
(See "Surrender Charges" at page 26 and "Exceptions to Surrender Charges" at
page 26.)
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   15
 
     Finally, the value of the shares of each Fund reflects advisory fees and
other expenses deducted from the assets of each Fund. (See the Fund Prospectuses
which are attached to this Prospectus.)
 
5. WHAT ARE THE MINIMUM INITIAL AND MAXIMUM ADDITIONAL PREMIUM PAYMENTS?
 
     Unless we permit otherwise, the minimum initial Premium Payment is $2,000
for Qualified Policies and $5,000 for Non-Qualified Policies. Premium Payments
on any Policy (of at least $500 each or such lower amount as we may permit) can
be made at any interval or by any method we make available. The available
methods of payment are direct payments to NYLIAC, pre-authorized monthly
deductions from banks, credit unions or similar accounts and any other method
agreed to by us. The maximum aggregate amount of Premium Payments is $1,000,000,
without our prior approval.
 
     Premium Payments under Qualified Policies may not be more than the amount
permitted by law for the plan indicated in the application for the Policy. We
reserve the right to limit the dollar amount of any Premium Payment.
 
6. HOW ARE PREMIUM PAYMENTS ALLOCATED AMONG THE ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES?
 
   
     Initial Premium Payments allocated to the Investment Divisions of the
Separate Account are held in the MainStay VP Cash Management Division for 15
days after the Policy Issue Date. Initial Premium Payments allocated to the
Fixed Account are deposited immediately into the Fixed Account. You may maintain
Accumulation Value in any number of Allocation Alternatives. (See "Automatic
Asset Reallocation" at page 24.) Moreover, you may raise or lower the
percentages of the Premium Payment (which must be in whole number percentages)
allocated to each Allocation Alternative at the time you make a Premium Payment.
The minimum amount which may be allocated to any one Allocation Alternative is
$25, or such lower amount as we may permit. We reserve the right to limit the
amount of a Premium Payment that may be allocated to any one Allocation
Alternative.
    
 
7. WHAT HAPPENS IF PREMIUM PAYMENTS ARE NOT MADE?
 
     In the event that no Premium Payment is received for two or more years in a
row and both (a) the total Premium Payments for the Policy, less any Partial
Withdrawals and any Surrender Charges, and (b) the Accumulation Value, are less
than $2,000, we reserve the right, subject to any applicable state insurance law
or regulation, to terminate the Policy by paying you the Accumulation Value in
one sum. We will notify you of our intention to exercise this right and give you
90 days to make a Premium Payment. Unless the Policy is terminated, it can be
continued until the Annuity Commencement Date.
 
8. CAN MONEY BE WITHDRAWN FROM THE POLICY PRIOR TO THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT
   DATE?
 
   
     Yes, withdrawals ($500 minimum, unless we agree otherwise or as part of a
Periodic Partial Withdrawal or a Required Minimum Distribution) may be made,
subject to certain limitations. We will pay you all or part of the Accumulation
Value when we receive your written request before the Annuity Commencement Date
and while the Annuitant is living. However, a withdrawal or surrender may be
subject to a Surrender Charge if the Policy, or any portion thereof, is
surrendered during the first six Payment Years after a Premium Payment is made,
as explained under Question 4 at page 11, may be a taxable transaction, and may
be subject to a 10% penalty tax if the Owner is under age 59 1/2. (See
"Distributions Under the Policy" at page 29 and "Federal Tax Matters" at page
37.)
    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   16
 
9. HOW WILL INCOME PAYMENTS BE DETERMINED ON THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE?
 
   
     Income Payments under Qualified and Non-Qualified Policies will be on a
fixed basis. We do not currently offer a variable income payment option.
Payments under the Life Income Payment Option will always be in the same
specified amount and will be paid over the life of the Annuitant with a
guarantee of 10 years of payments, even if the Annuitant dies sooner. (See
"Income Payments" at page 32.)
    
 
10. WHAT IS A LIFE INCOME PAYMENT OPTION?
 
   
     A retirement annuity provides periodic payments for the life of an
Annuitant (or if Annuitant and another person, the "Joint Annuitant") with a
guaranteed number of Income Payments or for an ascertainable sum. Income
Payments which remain the same throughout the payment period are referred to in
this Prospectus as "Fixed Income Payments." Fixed Income Payments will always be
the same specified amount. (See "Income Payments" at page 32.)
    
 
11. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OWNER OR ANNUITANT DIES BEFORE THE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT
    DATE?
 
   
     In the event that an Owner or Annuitant dies before the Annuity
Commencement Date, we will pay the Beneficiary named in the Policy an amount
equal to the greater of (a) the Accumulation Value, less any outstanding loan
balance under the Policy, (b) the sum of all Premium Payments made, less any
outstanding loan balance, less any partial withdrawals and Surrender Charges
previously imposed, or (c) the "reset value" (as described on page 31 of this
Prospectus) plus any additional Premium Payments made since the most recent
"reset date," less any outstanding loan balance, less any withdrawals and
applicable Surrender Charges since the most recent "reset date." However, if the
Beneficiary is the spouse of the Annuitant or Owner, see Question 12. (Also see
"Death Before Annuity Commencement" at page 31 and "Federal Tax Matters" at page
37.)
    
 
12. WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR SPOUSE IS THE BENEFICIARY?
 
   
     If your spouse is the Beneficiary and you die before the Annuity
Commencement Date, the Policy may, if the Policy is a Non-Qualified Policy, IRA,
TSA or SEP, be continued with your spouse as the new Owner and, if you are also
the Annuitant, your spouse will be the new Annuitant. If you are not the
Annuitant and the Annuitant dies, you may continue the Policy with you as the
new Annuitant if you are the Annuitant's spouse and the Beneficiary. If you or
your spouse chooses to continue the Policy, no death benefit proceeds will be
paid as a consequence of your death, or the Annuitant's death.
    
 
13. CAN THE POLICY BE RETURNED AFTER IT IS DELIVERED?
 
     The Policy contains a provision which permits cancellation by returning it
to us, or to the registered representative through whom it was purchased, within
10 days of delivery of the Policy or such longer period as required under state
law. The Owner will then receive from us the greater of (i) the initial Premium
Payment; or (ii) the Accumulation Value on the date the Policy is received by
us, without any deduction for Premium Taxes or a Surrender Charge.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   17
 
14. WHAT ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS?
 
   
     You may instruct NYLIAC how to vote shares of the Funds held by you in the
Separate Account. (See "Voting Rights" at page 40.)
    
 
15. HOW WILL INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE OF THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT BE CALCULATED?
 
   
     YIELDS.  The yield of the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment Division
refers to the annualized income generated by an investment in that Investment
Division over a specified seven-day period. The yield is calculated by assuming
that the income generated for that seven-day period is generated each seven-day
period over a 52-week period and is shown as a percentage of the investment. The
effective yield is calculated similarly but, when annualized, the income earned
by an investment in that Investment Division is assumed to be reinvested. The
effective yield will be slightly higher than the yield because of the
compounding effect of this assumed reinvestment. For the seven-day period ended
December 31, 1996, the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment Division's yield
and effective yield were 4.04% and 4.12%, respectively.
    
 
   
     The yield of the MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate
Bond or MainStay VP Bond Investment Divisions refers to the annualized income
generated by an investment in that Investment Division over a specified
thirty-day period. The yield is calculated by assuming that the income generated
by the investment during that thirty-day period is generated each thirty-day
period over a 12-month period and is shown as a percentage of the investment.
For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1996, the annualized yields for the
MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond and MainStay VP
Bond Investment Divisions were 5.72%, 6.59% and 4.64%, respectively.
    
 
     The yield calculations do not reflect the effect of any Surrender Charge
that may be applicable to a particular Policy. To the extent that the Surrender
Charge is applicable to a particular Policy, the yield of that Policy will be
reduced. Past performance is no indication of future performance. For additional
information regarding the yields described above, please refer to the Statement
of Additional Information.
 
   
     TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS.  The table below presents performance data for
the MainStay VP Capital Appreciation, MainStay VP Cash Management, MainStay VP
Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond, MainStay VP International
Equity, MainStay VP Total Return, MainStay VP Value, MainStay VP Bond, MainStay
VP Growth Equity, MainStay VP Indexed Equity, Alger American Small
Capitalization, Calvert Socially Responsible, Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund,
Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income, Janus Aspen Balanced, and Janus Aspen Worldwide
Growth Investment Divisions for various periods of time. The data reflect all
Separate Account and Fund annual expenses shown in the Fee Table which appears
on pages 6 and 7. The annual policy fee, which is charged to Policies with less
than $20,000 of Accumulation Value, is not reflected. This fee, if applicable,
would effectively reduce the rates of return credited to a particular Policy.
All rates of return presented include the reinvestment of investment income,
including interest and dividends.
    
 
   
     The Separate Account had no operations prior to May 1, 1995. For the period
of the underlying MainStay VP and Calvert Socially Responsible Portfolios'
inception dates to the dates those Portfolios were added to the Separate
Account, performance assumes that the Policies were available, which they were
not. For the period of the inception dates of the Alger American Small
Capitalization, Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund, Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income,
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   18
 
   
Janus Aspen Balanced and Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolios until these
Portfolios were added to the Separate Account on October 1, 1996, performance
assumes that the Policies were available and these Portfolios were offered under
the Policies, which they were not. There is no performance information for the
MainStay VP Convertible and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Investment
Divisions because they were first offered as of October 1, 1996. The results
shown are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment performance.
    
 
   
     The average annual total return data in the following table are calculated
by two methods. The first method is prescribed by the SEC for use when we
advertise the performance of the Separate Account and assumes the surrender of
the Policy at the end of each period shown. The second method assumes that the
Policy is not surrendered and, therefore, does not reflect the deduction of any
applicable surrender charges.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 MAINSTAY VP
                                      MAINSTAY VP    MAINSTAY VP                 HIGH YIELD    MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP
                                        CAPITAL         CASH       MAINSTAY VP    CORPORATE    INTERNATIONAL    TOTAL
           INCEPTION DATE             APPRECIATION   MANAGEMENT    GOVERNMENT       BOND         EQUITY        RETURN
- ------------------------------------  ------------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                        1/29/93        1/29/93       1/29/93       5/1/95        5/1/95        1/29/93
<S>                                   <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN 
  (IF SURRENDERED)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)............      10.10%         (2.96%)       (5.50%)        8.55%         2.14%         3.56%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)............      12.09%          1.15%         1.76%          N/A           N/A          7.84%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)...........        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Since Inception.....................      14.31%          1.41%         2.65%        10.51%         6.89%         9.61%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN 
  (NO SURRENDERS)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)............      17.10%          3.56%         0.85%        15.55%         9.00%        10.52%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)............      13.92%          3.36%         3.96%          N/A           N/A          9.81%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)...........        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Since Inception.....................      15.50%          2.86%         4.12%        14.38%        10.85%        10.95%
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP     CALVERT
                                                  MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP     GROWTH        INDEXED      SOCIALLY
                 INCEPTION DATE                      VALUE         BOND         EQUITY        EQUITY      RESPONSIBLE
- ------------------------------------------------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                    5/1/95        1/23/84       1/23/84       1/29/93       9/2/86
 
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN (IF SURRENDERED)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)........................      14.51%        (5.72%)       15.77%        13.72%        4.06%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)........................        N/A          1.58%        14.23%        15.70%        8.75%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)........................        N/A          4.58%        13.07%          N/A         7.91%
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96).......................        N/A          6.79%        12.65%          N/A         9.56%
Since Inception.................................      17.31%         8.49%        11.40%        13.88%        8.84%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (NO SURRENDERS)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)........................      21.51%         0.62%        22.77%        20.72%       11.06%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)........................        N/A          3.80%        15.99%        17.42%       10.69%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)........................        N/A          5.54%        13.91%          N/A         8.91%
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96).......................        N/A          6.79%        12.65%          N/A         9.56%
Since Inception.................................      21.04%         8.49%        11.40%        15.08%        8.84%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   19
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ALGER AMERICAN                                                    JANUS ASPEN
                                                 SMALL        FIDELITY VIP II:   FIDELITY VIP:   JANUS ASPEN    WORLDWIDE
              INCEPTION DATE                 CAPITALIZATION      CONTRAFUND      EQUITY INCOME    BALANCED       GROWTH
- -------------------------------------------  --------------   ----------------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                9/20/88            1/3/95           10/9/86        9/13/93       9/13/93
 
<S>                                          <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN (IF SURRENDERED)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)...................       (3.74%)           12.52%             5.68%          7.57%        20.24%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)...................        9.36%              N/A             14.85%         10.03%        15.23%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)...................        8.46%              N/A             15.56%           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)..................         N/A               N/A             11.99%           N/A           N/A
Since Inception............................       18.53%            25.73%            11.68%         11.37%        20.05%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (NO SURRENDERS)
1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)...................        2.73%            19.52%            12.68%         14.57%        27.24%
3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)...................       11.28%              N/A             16.59%         11.92%        16.96%
5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)...................        9.46%              N/A             16.34%           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)..................         N/A               N/A             11.99%           N/A           N/A
Since Inception............................       18.53%            28.50%            11.68%         13.00%        21.43%
</TABLE>
    
 
     For additional information regarding the total return calculations
described above, please refer to the Statement of Additional Information.
 
16. ARE POLICY LOANS AVAILABLE?
 
   
     If you have purchased your Policy in connection with a tax-sheltered
annuity "TSA" (Section 403(b)) Plan, you may be able to borrow some of your
Accumulation Value subject to certain conditions. (See "Loans" at page 34.)
    
 
                              FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
     The audited financial statements of NYLIAC (including the auditor's report
thereon) for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, and of the
Separate Account (including the auditor's report thereon) for the period ended
December 31, 1996 and 1995 are included in the Statement of Additional
Information.
    
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   20
 
                        CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
     The following Accumulation Unit values and the number of Accumulation Units
outstanding for each Investment Division for the period beginning from May 1,
1995 (commencement of operations) through December 31, 1996 have been audited by
Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, whose report on the related
financial statements appears in the Statement of Additional Information. Values
and units shown are for full year periods, except where indicated. This
information should be read in conjunction with the Separate Account financial
statements and notes thereto which appear in the Statement of Additional
Information. Per unit data is based on average monthly units outstanding during
the period.
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP                                                MAINSTAY VP
                                      CAPITAL                 CASH           MAINSTAY VP       MAINSTAY VP            HIGH YIELD
                                    APPRECIATION           MANAGEMENT        CONVERTIBLE        GOVERNMENT          CORPORATE BOND
                                 ------------------    ------------------    -----------    ------------------    ------------------
                                  1996      1995(a)     1996      1995(a)      1996(b)       1996      1995(a)     1996      1995(a)
                                 -------    -------    -------    -------        -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period).......   $11.89     $10.00     $ 1.03     $ 1.00       $ 10.00      $10.57     $10.00     $10.83     $10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).............   $13.92     $11.89     $ 1.06     $ 1.03       $ 10.35      $10.66     $10.57     $12.52     $10.83
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...    6,949        951     32,709     13,190         1,250         855        178      6,539        648
 
<CAPTION>
                                   MAINSTAY VP
                                  INTERNATIONAL
                                      EQUITY
                                ------------------
                                 1996      1995(a)
                                -------    -------
<S>                              <C>       <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period).......  $10.90     $10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).............  $11.88     $10.90
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...     692         67
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAINSTAY VP                                                       MAINSTAY VP
                                               TOTAL              MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP              GROWTH
                                               RETURN                VALUE                  BOND                 EQUITY
                                         ------------------    ------------------    ------------------    ------------------
                                          1996      1995(a)     1996      1995(a)     1996      1995(a)     1996      1995(a)
                                         -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
<S>                                      <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period)...............   $11.36     $10.00     $11.32     $10.00     $10.57     $10.00     $11.42     $10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).....................   $12.55     $11.36     $13.76     $11.32     $10.64     $10.57     $14.01     $11.42
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...........    5,154        665      3,377        432      1,193        173      2,276        241
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                  ALGER
                                             INDEXED              SMALL
                                              EQUITY          CAPITALIZATION
                                        ------------------    --------------
                                         1996      1995(a)       1996(b)
                                        -------    -------       -------
<S>                                      <C>       <C>        <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period)...............  $11.58     $10.00         $10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).....................  $13.97     $11.58         $ 9.57
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...........   4,327        358            125
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      CALVERT                                                              JANUS ASPEN
                                      SOCIALLY         FIDELITY VIP II:    FIDELITY VIP:    JANUS ASPEN     WORLDWIDE
                                    RESPONSIBLE           CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME     BALANCED        GROWTH
                                 ------------------    ----------------    -------------    -----------    -----------
                                  1996      1995(a)        1996(b)            1996(b)         1996(b)        1996(b)
                                 -------    -------        -------            -------         -------        -------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>                 <C>              <C>            <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period).......   $11.22     $10.00          $10.00            $ 10.00         $ 10.00        $ 10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).............   $12.46     $11.22          $10.63            $ 10.45         $ 10.24        $ 10.36
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...      123         17             241                149             125            269
 
<CAPTION>
                                MORGAN STANLEY
                                   EMERGING
                                MARKETS EQUITY
                                --------------
                                   1996(b)
                                   -------
<S>                              <C>
Accumulation Unit value
  (beginning of period).......      $10.00
Accumulation Unit value
  (end of period).............      $10.00
Number of units outstanding
  (in 000s) (end of period)...          80
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
   
(a)  For the period May 1, 1995 (commencement of operations) through December
     31, 1995.
    
   
(b)  For the period October 1, 1996 (commencement of operations) through
    
     December 31, 1996.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   21
 
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
                            AND THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
     NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
 
     New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation ("NYLIAC") is a stock life
insurance company incorporated in Delaware in 1980. NYLIAC is licensed to sell
life, accident and health insurance and annuities in the District of Columbia
and all states. In addition to the Policies described in this Prospectus, NYLIAC
offers other life insurance policies and annuities. NYLIAC's Financial
Statements are found in the Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
     NYLIAC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company
("New York Life"), a mutual life insurance company founded in New York in 1845.
New York Life had consolidated total assets amounting to $78.8 billion at the
end of 1996, and is authorized to do business in all states, the District of
Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. New York Life has invested in
NYLIAC, and will, in order to maintain capital and surplus in accordance with
state requirements, occasionally make additional contributions to NYLIAC.
    
 
     THE SEPARATE ACCOUNT
 
     The Separate Account was established as of November 30, 1994, pursuant to
resolutions of the NYLIAC Board of Directors. The Separate Account is registered
as a unit investment trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, but such registration does not signify that the
Securities and Exchange Commission supervises the management, or the investment
practices or policies, of the Separate Account. The Separate Account meets the
definition of "separate account" under the federal securities laws.
 
     Although the assets of the Separate Account belong to NYLIAC, these assets
are held separately from the other assets of NYLIAC, and are not chargeable with
liabilities incurred in any other business operations of NYLIAC (except to the
extent that assets in the Separate Account exceed the reserves and other
liabilities of that Account). The income, capital gains and capital losses
incurred on the assets of the Separate Account are credited to or are charged
against the assets of the Separate Account, without regard to the income,
capital gains or capital losses arising out of any other business NYLIAC may
conduct. Therefore, the investment performance of the Separate Account is
entirely independent of both the investment performance of NYLIAC's Fixed
Account and the performance of any other separate account.
 
   
     The Separate Account currently has 22 Investment Divisions, 18 of which are
available under the Policies. Premium Payments are invested solely in the
corresponding Eligible Portfolios of the relevant Fund. Additional Investment
Divisions may be added at the discretion of NYLIAC.
    
 
   
     THE PORTFOLIOS
    
 
   
     The assets of each Eligible Portfolio are separate from the others and each
such Portfolio has different investment objectives and policies. As a result,
each Eligible Portfolio operates as a separate investment fund and the
investment performance of one Portfolio has no effect on the investment
performance of any other Portfolio.
    
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   22
 
   
     THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT ANY OF THE ELIGIBLE PORTFOLIOS WILL ATTAIN THEIR
RESPECTIVE STATED OBJECTIVES.
    
 
   
     The Funds' shares are also available to certain separate accounts funding
variable life insurance policies offered by NYLIAC. This is called "mixed
funding." Shares of The Alger American Fund, the Acacia Fund, the Fidelity
Funds, the Janus Fund and the Morgan Stanley Fund may also be available to
separate accounts of insurance companies unaffiliated with NYLIAC and, in
certain instances, to qualified plans. This is called "shared funding." Although
we do not anticipate any inherent difficulties arising from mixed and shared
funding, it is theoretically possible that, due to differences in tax treatment
or other considerations, the interests of owners of various contracts
participating in the Funds might at some time be in conflict. The Board of
Directors/Trustees of each Fund, each Fund's investment advisers, and NYLIAC are
required to monitor events to identify any material conflicts that arise from
the use of the Funds for mixed and shared funding. For more information about
the risks of mixed and shared funding please refer to the relevant Fund
prospectus.
    
 
   
     The Eligible Portfolios of the relevant Funds, along with their investment
advisers, are listed in the following table:
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FUND                             INVESTMENT ADVISERS              ELIGIBLE PORTFOLIOS
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                              <C>
MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.    MacKay-Shields Financial         MainStay VP Capital Appreciation;
                                 Corporation                      MainStay VP Cash Management;
                                                                  MainStay VP Convertible; MainStay
                                                                  VP Government; MainStay VP High
                                                                  Yield Corporate
                                                                  Bond; MainStay VP International
                                                                  Equity; MainStay VP Total Return;
                                                                  MainStay VP Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.    Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.   MainStay VP Indexed Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.    New York Life Insurance Company  MainStay VP Bond;
                                                                  MainStay VP Growth Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Alger American Fund          Fred Alger Management, Inc.      Alger American Small
                                                                  Capitalization
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Acacia Capital Corporation       Calvert Asset Management         Calvert Socially Responsible
                                 Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance      Fidelity Management and          Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund
Products Fund II                 Research Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fidelity Variable Insurance      Fidelity Management and          Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income
Products Fund                    Research Company
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Janus Aspen Series               Janus Capital Corporation        Janus Aspen Balanced;
                                                                  Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Morgan Stanley Universal Funds,  Morgan Stanley Asset Management  Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
Inc.                             Inc.                             Equity
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    
 
   
Please refer to the attached prospectuses of the respective Funds for a complete
description of the Funds, the investment advisers and the Portfolios. The Funds'
prospectuses should be read carefully before any decision is made concerning the
allocation of
    
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   23
 
   
Premium Payments to an Investment Division corresponding to a particular
Eligible Portfolio.
    
 
   
     ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR SUBSTITUTIONS OF INVESTMENTS
    
 
     NYLIAC retains the right, subject to any applicable law, to make additions
to, deletions from, or substitutions for, the Eligible Portfolio shares held by
any Investment Division. NYLIAC reserves the right to eliminate the shares of
any of the Eligible Portfolios and to substitute shares of another portfolio of
a Fund, or of another registered open-end management investment company, if the
shares of the Eligible Portfolios are no longer available for investment, or if
in NYLIAC's judgment, investment in any Eligible Portfolio would become
inappropriate in view of the purposes of the Separate Account. To the extent
required by the Investment Company Act of 1940, substitutions of shares
attributable to an Owner's interest in an Investment Division will not be made
until the Owner has been notified of the change. Nothing contained herein shall
prevent the Separate Account from purchasing other securities for other series
or classes of policies, or from effecting a conversion between series or classes
of policies on the basis of requests made by Owners.
 
   
     The Separate Account currently has 22 Investment Divisions, 18 of which are
available under the Policies. Premium Payments are invested solely in the
corresponding Eligible Portfolios of the Funds. Each additional Investment
Division will purchase shares in a new portfolio of a Fund or in another mutual
fund. New Investment Divisions may be established when, in the sole discretion
of NYLIAC, marketing, tax, investment or other conditions so warrant. Any new
Investment Divisions will be made available to existing Owners on a basis to be
determined by NYLIAC. NYLIAC may also eliminate one or more Investment
Divisions, if, in its sole discretion, marketing, tax, investment or other
conditions warrant.
    
 
     In the event of any such substitution or change, NYLIAC may, by appropriate
endorsement, make such changes in the Policies as may be necessary or
appropriate to reflect such substitution or change. If deemed to be in the best
interests of persons having voting rights under the Policies, the Separate
Account may be operated as a management company under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, may be deregistered under such Act in the event such registration is no
longer required, or may be combined with one or more other separate accounts.
 
     REINVESTMENT
 
     All dividends and capital gain distributions from Eligible Portfolios are
automatically reinvested in shares of the distributing Portfolio at their net
asset value on the payable date.
 
                                  THE POLICIES
 
     PURPOSE OF POLICIES
 
     The Policies described in this Prospectus are designed to establish
retirement benefits for two types of purchasers.
 
     The first type of purchaser is one who is eligible to participate in, and
purchases a Policy for use with, any one of the following: (1) annuity plans
qualified under Section 403(a) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"); (2)
annuity purchase plans
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   24
 
   
adopted by certain private tax exempt organizations and certain state supported
educational institutions under certain circumstances under Section 403(b) of the
Code; (3) individual retirement annuities ("IRAs") meeting the relevant
requirements of Section 408 of the Code; or (4) deferred compensation plans with
respect to service for state and local governments (and certain other entities)
under Section 457 of the Code. Policies purchased by these individuals for use
with these plans are referred to as "Qualified Policies." (See "Federal Tax
Matters" at page 37.)
    
 
     The second type of purchaser is one, other than those described above, who
purchases a Policy to provide supplemental retirement income. Policies purchased
by these individuals are referred to as "Non-Qualified Policies."
 
     The Accumulation Value will fluctuate based on the investment experience of
the Investment Divisions selected by the Owner and the interest credited on the
Fixed Accumulation Value. NYLIAC does not guarantee the investment performance
of the Separate Account or of the Funds, and the Owner bears the entire
investment risk with respect to amounts allocated to the Investment Divisions of
the Separate Account. There is no assurance that the investment objectives will
be achieved. Accordingly, amounts allocated to the Investment Divisions of the
Separate Account are subject to the risks inherent in the securities markets
and, specifically, to price fluctuations of the shares of the Funds.
 
     TYPES OF POLICIES
 
     The Policies are only offered on the lives of individual Annuitants. Only
Flexible Premium Policies are available (for which additional Premium Payments
can be made). They may be either Qualified Policies or Non-Qualified Policies.
 
     POLICY APPLICATION AND PREMIUM PAYMENTS
 
     Individuals wishing to purchase a Policy must complete an application and
provide an initial Premium Payment which will be sent to NYLIAC. If the
application can be accepted in the form received, the initial Premium Payment
will be credited within two Business Days after receipt. If the initial Premium
Payment cannot be credited within five Business Days after receipt by NYLIAC
because the application is incomplete, NYLIAC will contact the applicant and
explain the reason for the delay and will offer to refund the initial Premium
Payment immediately, unless the applicant consents to NYLIAC's retaining the
initial Premium Payment and crediting it as soon as the necessary requirements
are fulfilled. Acceptance is subject to NYLIAC's rules and NYLIAC reserves the
right to reject any application or initial Premium Payment. NYLIAC's rules
generally require that only one Owner be named. However, there are exceptions to
these rules, such as when the application is related to certain exchanges of
in-force annuities in accordance with Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
     Initial Premium Payments allocated to the Fixed Account will be allocated
immediately. Initial Premium Payments designated to Investment Divisions of the
Separate Account will be allocated to the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment
Division until 15 days after the Policy Issue Date. Thereafter, Premium Payments
will be allocated in accordance with the Owner's instructions. Subsequent
Premium Payments are credited to the Policy at the close of the Business Day on
which they are received at NYLIAC, P.O. Box 19289, Newark, New Jersey
07195-0289.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   25
 
     Unless we provide otherwise, the minimum initial Premium Payment is $2,000
for Qualified Policies and $5,000 for Non-Qualified Policies. Premium Payments
(of at least $500 each or such lower amount as we may permit) may be made at any
interval or by any method NYLIAC makes available. For residents of the states of
Maryland and Washington, however, additional Premium Payments may only be made
until the later of the Annuitant's age 64 or the fourth Policy Year. The
currently available methods of payment are direct payments to NYLIAC,
pre-authorized monthly deductions from bank, credit union or similar accounts
and any other method agreed to by us. Premium Payments may be made at any time
before the Annuity Commencement Date and while the Annuitant and the Owner are
living provided that the aggregate amount of Premium Payments may not be more
than $1,000,000, without our prior approval.
 
     For Qualified Policies, the Premium Payments made in any Policy Year may
not be more than the amount permitted by the plan or by law for the plan
indicated in the application for the Policy.
 
   
     NYLIAC reserves the right to limit the dollar amount of any Premium
Payment. NYLIAC also reserves the right in its discretion to accept Premium
Payments less than $500, provided such discretion is exercised in a
non-discriminatory manner. If no Premium Payments are made under a Policy for
two or more Policy Years in a row, and both (a) the total Premium Payments made,
less any partial withdrawals and any surrender charges, and (b) the Accumulation
Value, are less than $2,000, then NYLIAC may, in its sole discretion, subject to
any applicable state insurance law or regulation, cancel the Policy and pay the
Owner the Accumulation Value. (See "Cancellations" at page 31.)
    
 
     ISSUE AGES
 
     Non-Qualified Policies can be issued if both the Owner and the Annuitant
are not older than age 85 (age 78 in Pennsylvania and age 80 in New York) and we
will accept additional Premium Payments until either the Owner or the Annuitant
reaches the age of 85, unless we agree otherwise. For IRA, TSA and SEP plans,
the Owner and the Annuitant must be the same. Qualified Policies can be issued
if the Owner/Annuitant is between the ages of 18-75 (ages 21-75 for SEP
arrangements) and we will accept additional Premium Payments until the
Owner/Annuitant reaches the age of 75, unless otherwise limited by the terms of
a particular plan or unless we agree otherwise.
 
     TRANSFERS
 
     Prior to 30 days before the Annuity Commencement Date, amounts may be
transferred between Investment Divisions of the Separate Account or to the Fixed
Account. Except in connection with transfers made pursuant to the Dollar Cost
Averaging, Automatic Asset Reallocation or Interest Sweep options, the minimum
value of Accumulation Units that may be transferred from one Investment Division
to another Investment Division within the Separate Account, or to the Fixed
Account, is the lesser of (i) $500 or (ii) the total value of the Accumulation
Units in the Investment Division. Except in connection with the Dollar Cost
Averaging, Automatic Asset Reallocation or Interest Sweep options, if, after an
ordered transfer, the value of the remaining Accumulation Units in an Investment
Division or Fixed Account would be less than $500, the entire value will be
transferred unless NYLIAC in its discretion determines otherwise. There is no
charge for the first twelve transfers in any one Policy Year. NYLIAC reserves
the right to charge up to $30 for each transfer in excess of twelve, subject to
any applicable state insurance law requirements.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   26
 
   
Any transfer made in connection with the Dollar Cost Averaging, Automatic Asset
Reallocation and Interest Sweep options will not count as a transfer toward the
twelve transfer limit. In addition to transfers made in connection with the
Interest Sweep option, transfers may be made from the Fixed Account to the
Investment Divisions in certain other situations. (See "The Fixed Account" at
page 36.)
    
 
   
     Transfer requests must be in writing on a form approved by NYLIAC or by
telephone in accordance with established procedures. (See "Procedures for
Telephone Transfers" below.) Transfers from Investment Divisions will be made
based on the Accumulation Unit values at the end of the Valuation Period during
which NYLIAC receives the transfer request. (See "Delay of Payments" at page
33.)
    
 
     PROCEDURES FOR TELEPHONE TRANSFERS
 
     Owners may effect telephone transfers in two ways. All Owners may directly
contact a service representative. Owners may also request access to an
electronic service known as a Voice Response Unit (VRU). The VRU permits the
transfer of monies among the Investment Divisions and/or the Fixed Account and
change of the allocation of future payments. All Owners intending to conduct
telephone transfers through the VRU will be asked to complete a Telephone
Authorization Form.
 
     NYLIAC will undertake reasonable procedures to confirm that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine. Before a service representative accepts
any request, the caller will be asked for his or her social security number and
address. All calls will also be recorded. A Personal Identification Number (PIN)
will be assigned to all Owners who request VRU access. The PIN is selected by
and known only to the Owner. Proper entry of the PIN is required before any
transactions will be allowed through the VRU. Furthermore, all transactions
performed over the VRU, as well as with a service representative, will be
confirmed by NYLIAC through a written letter. Moreover, all VRU transactions
will be assigned a unique confirmation number which will become part of the
Policy's history. NYLIAC is not liable for any loss, cost or expense for action
on telephone instructions which are believed to be genuine in accordance with
these procedures. Telephone transfer requests must be received no later than
4:00 p.m. Eastern Time in order to assure same-day processing. Requests received
after 4:00 p.m. will be processed on the next Business Day.
 
     DOLLAR COST AVERAGING
 
   
     Dollar Cost Averaging is a systematic method of investing in which
securities are purchased at regular intervals in fixed dollar amounts so that
the cost of the securities is averaged over time and over various market cycles.
The Owner may specify, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, a specific dollar
amount to be transferred from any Investment Divisions to any combination of
Investment Divisions and/or the Fixed Account. The Owner will specify the
Investment Divisions to transfer money from, the Investment Divisions and/or
Fixed Account to transfer money to, the amounts to be transferred, the date on
which transfers will be made, subject to our rules, and the frequency of the
transfers, either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually. This process is
called Dollar Cost Averaging. Dollar Cost Averaging transfers are not available
from the Fixed Account, but these transfers may be made into the Fixed Account.
A minimum of $100 must change Investment Divisions (for each Investment Division
and the Fixed Account) with each transfer. The minimum Accumulation Value
required to elect this option is $5,000. The
    
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   27
 
minimum transfer amount and minimum Accumulation Value may be reduced at
NYLIAC's discretion.
 
     The main objective of Dollar Cost Averaging is to achieve an average cost
per share that is lower than the average price per share in a fluctuating
market. Since the same dollar amount is transferred to an Investment Division
with each transfer, more units are purchased in an Investment Division if the
value per unit is low and fewer units are purchased if the value per unit is
high. Therefore, a lower than average cost per unit will be achieved if prices
fluctuate over the long term. Similarly, for each transfer out of an Investment
Division, more units are sold in an Investment Division if the value per unit is
low and fewer units are sold if the value per unit is high. Dollar Cost
Averaging does not assure a profit or protect against a loss in declining
markets.
 
     NYLIAC will make all Dollar Cost Averaging transfers on the day of each
calendar month specified by the Owner, or on the next Business Day. The Owner
may specify any day of the month with the exception of the 29th, 30th or 31st of
a month. In order to process a Dollar Cost Averaging transfer, NYLIAC must have
received a request in writing no later than one week prior to the date Dollar
Cost Averaging transfers are to commence.
 
     The Dollar Cost Averaging option may be canceled at any time by the Owner
in a written request or by NYLIAC if the Accumulation Value is less than $5,000,
or such lower amount as we may determine. The Dollar Cost Averaging option may
not be elected if you have selected the Automatic Asset Reallocation option.
 
     AUTOMATIC ASSET REALLOCATION
 
   
     Selection of this option allows an Owner to maintain the percentage of the
Owner's Variable Accumulation Value allocated to each Separate Account
Investment Division at a pre-set level. For example, an Owner might specify that
50% of the Variable Accumulation Value of a Policy be allocated to the MainStay
VP Bond Investment Division and 50% of the Variable Accumulation Value be
allocated to the MainStay VP Growth Equity Investment Division. Over time, the
variations in each such Investment Division's investment results will shift this
balance. If you elect this reallocation option, NYLIAC will automatically
transfer your Variable Accumulation Value back to the percentages you specify.
You may choose to have reallocations made quarterly, semi-annually or annually.
NYLIAC will process Automatic Asset Reallocations of less than $500. The minimum
Variable Accumulation Value required to elect this option is $5,000. There is no
minimum amount which you must allocate among the Separate Account Investment
Divisions pursuant to this option.
    
 
     The Automatic Asset Reallocation option may be canceled at any time by the
Owner in a written request or by NYLIAC if the Accumulation Value is less than
$5,000, or such a lower amount as we may determine. The Automatic Asset
Reallocation option may not be elected if you have selected the Dollar Cost
Averaging option.
 
     INTEREST SWEEP
 
   
     The Owner may request, prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, for the
interest earned on monies allocated to the Fixed Account to be transferred from
the Fixed Account to any combination of Investment Divisions. The Owner will
specify the Investment Divisions to transfer money to, the frequency of the
transfers (either monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually), and the day of
each calendar month to make the transfers (any day except the 29th, 30th or 31st
of a month). This process is called Interest Sweep. The
    
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   28
 
minimum Fixed Accumulation Value required to elect this option is $5,000, but
may be reduced at NYLIAC's discretion.
 
     The Interest Sweep may be requested in addition to either the Dollar Cost
Averaging or Automatic Asset Reallocation options. If an Interest Sweep transfer
is scheduled for the same day as a Dollar Cost Averaging or Automatic Asset
Reallocation transfer, the Interest Sweep transfer will be processed first.
 
   
     An amount NOT GREATER THAN 20% of the Fixed Accumulation Value at the
beginning of the Policy Year may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the
Investment Divisions during a Policy Year. (See "The Fixed Account--Transfers to
Investment Divisions" at page 36.) If an Interest Sweep would cause more than
20% of the Fixed Accumulation Value at the beginning of the Policy Year to be
transferred from the Fixed Account, the transfer will not be processed and the
Interest Sweep will be canceled. Participation in the Interest Sweep option will
not affect the applicability of the Fixed Account Initial Premium Guarantee
described on page 37. The Interest Sweep option may be canceled at any time by
written request, or if the Fixed Accumulation Value is less than $5,000, or such
a lower amount as we may determine.
    
 
     ACCUMULATION PERIOD
 
     (a) Crediting of Premium Payments
 
     The Owner may allocate a portion of each Premium Payment to one or more
Investment Divisions or the Fixed Account. The minimum amount that may be
allocated to any one Investment Division or the Fixed Account is $25 (or such
lower amount as we may permit). The initial Premium Payment, except any initial
Premium Payment allocated to the Fixed Account, will be placed in the MainStay
VP Cash Management Investment Division until 15 days after the Policy Issue
Date. Subsequently, the allocation percentages for the first and any later
premiums will be as requested in the application, unless subsequently changed by
the Owner.
 
   
     That portion of each Premium Payment allocated to a designated Investment
Division of the Separate Account is credited to the Policy in the form of
Accumulation Units. The number of Accumulation Units credited to a Policy is
determined by dividing the amount allocated to each Investment Division by the
Accumulation Unit value for that Investment Division for the Valuation Period
during which the Premium Payment and documentation is received at NYLIAC at P.O.
Box 19289, Newark, New Jersey 07195-0289. The value of an Accumulation Unit will
vary in accordance with the investment experience of the Portfolio in which the
Investment Division invests. The number of Accumulation Units credited to a
Policy will not, however, change as a result of any fluctuations in the value of
an Accumulation Unit. (See "The Fixed Account" at page 36 for a description of
interest credited thereto.)
    
 
     (b) Valuation of Accumulation Units
 
     The value of Accumulation Units is expected to increase or decrease from
Valuation Period to Valuation Period. The value of Accumulation Units in each
Investment Division will change daily to reflect the investment experience of
the corresponding Portfolio as well as the daily deduction of the risk charges
(and any charges or credits for taxes). The Statement of Additional Information
contains a detailed description of how the Accumulation Units are valued.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   29
 
     OWNER INQUIRIES
 
   
     Owner inquiries should be addressed to NYLIAC, Variable Product Service
Center, P.O. Box 290781, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06129-0781, or made by
calling (800) 598-2019.
    
 
                             CHARGES AND DEDUCTIONS
 
     SURRENDER CHARGES
 
     Since no deduction for a sales charge is made from Premium Payments, a
Surrender Charge (sometimes referred to as a contingent deferred sales charge)
is imposed on certain partial withdrawals and surrenders of the Policies, up to
the amount of Premium Payments made, to cover certain expenses relating to the
sale of the Policies, including commissions to registered representatives and
other promotional expenses. The Surrender Charge is measured as a percentage of
the amount withdrawn or surrendered. The Surrender Charge may apply to amounts
applied under certain Income Payment options.
 
     In the case of a surrender, the Surrender Charge is deducted from the
amount paid to the Owner. In the case of a partial withdrawal, the Owner directs
NYLIAC to take Surrender Charges either from the remaining value of the
Allocation Alternatives from which the Owner directs NYLIAC to make partial
withdrawals, or from the amount paid to the Owner. If the remaining value in an
Allocation Alternative is less than the necessary Surrender Charge, the
remainder of the charge will be deducted from the amount withdrawn from that
Allocation Alternative.
 
     The maximum Surrender Charge will be 7% of the amount withdrawn, up to the
amount of Premium Payments made. The percentage of the Surrender Charge varies,
depending upon the length of time elapsed between NYLIAC's receipt of a Premium
Payment and the withdrawal attributable to such Premium Payment--that is, the
number of Payment Years elapsed since the applicable Premium Payment was made.
For purposes of calculating the applicable Surrender Charge, Premium Payments
will be deemed to be withdrawn on a FIFO basis. Unless required otherwise by
state laws, the Surrender Charge with respect to amounts withdrawn or
surrendered during the first three Payment Years following the Premium Payment
to which such withdrawal or surrender is attributable is 7% of the amount
withdrawn or surrendered. This charge then declines by 1% per year for each
additional Payment Year, until the sixth Payment Year, after which no charge is
made, as shown in the following chart:
 
     AMOUNT OF SURRENDER CHARGE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                PAYMENT YEAR                           CHARGE
        ------------------------------------------------------------   ------
        <S>                                                            <C>
        1-3.........................................................      7%
          4.........................................................      6%
          5.........................................................      5%
          6.........................................................      4%
          7 and later...............................................      0%
</TABLE>
 
     EXCEPTIONS TO SURRENDER CHARGES
 
     There are a number of exceptions to the imposition of a Surrender Charge.
First, for all Policies, the Surrender Charge will only be applied to any
amounts withdrawn in any Policy
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   30
 
   
Year which, when added to all other surrender charge free withdrawals in that
Policy Year, exceed 10% of the Accumulation Value at the time of surrender (the
10% Window). Second, for Policies with accumulated Premium Payments of $100,000
or more, no Surrender Charge will be applied if the total amount withdrawn in
any Policy Year is less than or equal to the greater of (a) the 10% Window or
(b) the Accumulation Value of the Policy less accumulated Premium Payments.
Third, no Surrender Charge will be applied if NYLIAC cancels the Policy. (See
"Cancellations" at page 31.) Fourth, no Surrender Charge will be applied when
proceeds are paid on the death of the Owner or the Annuitant. Fifth, no
Surrender Charge will be applied when an Income Payment Option is selected in
any Policy Year after the first Policy Year. Sixth, no Surrender Charge will be
applied when the Policy's Required Minimum Distribution option is selected.
However, amounts withdrawn under the Required Minimum Distribution option will
count against the first exception described above. (See "Periodic Partial
Withdrawals" at page 30.) Seventh, no Surrender Charge will be applied for any
withdrawals at age 59 1/2 or older if the Policy is tax-qualified and if funds
withdrawn from the Policy were acquired as the result of a transfer or rollover
of a NYLIAC tax-deferred annuity policy. Finally, no surrender charge will be
imposed in connection with withdrawals made in accordance with the terms of the
Living Needs Benefit Rider or Unemployment Benefit Rider. (See "Riders" at page
35 of this Prospectus for additional information.)
    
 
     OTHER CHARGES
 
     During the Accumulation Period, NYLIAC imposes certain charges which have
been set at a level to recover no more than the cost for providing Policy
administration services. All Policies are subject to a daily charge equal, on an
annual basis, to .15% of the average daily net asset value of the Separate
Account. A charge for Policy administration expenses will be made once each
Policy Year on the Policy Anniversary or upon Policy surrender if on that date
the Accumulation Value does not equal or exceed $20,000. This charge will be the
lesser of $30 or 2% of the Accumulation Value at the end of the Policy Year or
on the date of surrender, whichever is applicable. It will be deducted from each
Allocation Alternative in proportion to its percentage of the Accumulation Value
on the Policy Anniversary. These charges are intended to offset the
administrative expenses associated with the Policies, e.g., the costs of
collecting, processing, and confirming Premium Payments. They are also intended
to offset the cost of establishing and maintaining the available methods of
payment.
 
   
     NYLIAC also imposes risk charges to compensate it for bearing certain
mortality and expense risks under the Policies. The Policies contain guaranteed
minimum monthly fixed Income Payment amount tables. NYLIAC promises to continue
to make Income Payments to each Owner determined according to those tables and
other provisions contained in the Policy regardless of how long the Annuitant
lives and regardless of how long all Annuitants as a group live. Thus neither an
Annuitant's own longevity nor a greater improvement in life expectancy than that
anticipated in those tables will have an adverse effect on the Income Payments
received by the Owner under the Policy. Therefore the Annuitant is relieved of
the risk of outliving the funds accumulated for retirement. That risk is
NYLIAC's. A risk also arises from NYLIAC's guarantee of a minimum death benefit
during the Accumulation Period. (See "Death Before Annuity Commencement" at page
31.) In addition, NYLIAC assumes the risk that the annual charges may be
insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred by NYLIAC for providing Policy
administration services to Owners and Annuitants. Moreover NYLIAC does not
anticipate that the Surrender Charges on withdrawals and
    
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   31
 
surrenders will generate sufficient funds to pay the distribution expenses. If
these charges are insufficient to cover the expenses, the deficiency will be met
from NYLIAC's general corporate funds including the amount derived from the risk
charge. For assuming these risks NYLIAC makes a daily charge equal to a
percentage of the value of the net assets in the Separate Account. This charge
is equal, on an annual basis, to 1.25% (of which .75% is attributable to
mortality risks and .50% to expense risks) of the daily net asset values. If
these charges are insufficient to cover actual costs and assumed risks the loss
will fall on NYLIAC. Conversely, if the charge proves more than sufficient any
excess will be added to the NYLIAC surplus. NYLIAC guarantees that these charges
will not be increased.
 
     The value of the assets in the Separate Account will reflect the value of
Fund shares and therefore the fees and expenses paid by the Funds, which are
described in the relevant Fund's prospectus.
 
     GROUP AND SPONSORED ARRANGEMENTS
 
     For certain group or sponsored arrangements, we may reduce the Surrender
Charge and the administrative charge or change the minimum initial Premium
Payment, and the minimum additional Premium Payment requirements. Group
arrangements include those in which a trustee or an employer, for example,
purchases Policies covering a group of individuals on a group basis. Sponsored
arrangements include those in which an employer allows us to sell Policies to
its employees or retirees on an individual basis.
 
     Our costs for sales, administration, and mortality generally vary with the
size and stability of the group among other factors. We take all these factors
into account when reducing charges. To qualify for reduced charges, a group or
sponsored arrangement must meet certain requirements, including our requirements
for size and number of years in existence. Group or sponsored arrangements that
have been set up solely to buy Policies or that have been in existence less than
six months will not qualify for reduced charges.
 
     We will make any reductions according to our rules in effect when an
application or enrollment form for a Policy is approved. We may change these
rules from time to time. Any variation in the Surrender Charge or administrative
charge will reflect differences in costs or services and will not be unfairly
discriminatory.
 
     TAXES
 
     NYLIAC may, where such taxes are imposed by state law, deduct premium taxes
relative to the Policy either (i) when a surrender or cancellation occurs, or
(ii) at the Annuity Commencement Date. Applicable premium tax rates depend upon
such factors as the Owner's current state of residency, and the insurance laws
and the status of NYLIAC in states where premium taxes are incurred. Current
premium tax rates range from 0% to 3.5%. Applicable premium tax rates are
subject to change by legislation, administrative interpretations or judicial
acts.
 
     Under present laws, NYLIAC will incur state and local taxes (in addition to
the premium taxes described above) in several states. At present, these taxes
are not significant. If they increase, however, NYLIAC may make charges for such
taxes.
 
   
     NYLIAC does not expect to incur any federal income tax liability
attributable to investment income or capital gains retained as part of the
reserves under the Policies. (See "Federal Tax Matters" at page 37.) Based upon
these expectations, no charge is
    
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   32
 
being made currently to the Separate Account for corporate federal income taxes
which may be attributable to the Separate Account.
 
     NYLIAC will review the question of a charge to the Separate Account for
corporate federal income taxes periodically. Such a charge may be made in future
years for any federal income taxes incurred by NYLIAC. This might become
necessary if the tax treatment of NYLIAC is ultimately determined to be other
than what NYLIAC currently believes it to be, if there are changes made in the
federal income tax treatment of annuities at the corporate level, or if there is
a change in NYLIAC's tax status. In the event that NYLIAC should incur federal
income taxes attributable to investment income or capital gains retained as part
of the reserves under the Policies, the Accumulation Value of the Policies would
be correspondingly adjusted by any provision or charge for such taxes.
 
                         DISTRIBUTIONS UNDER THE POLICY
 
     SURRENDERS AND WITHDRAWALS
 
   
     The Owner may make a Partial Withdrawal, Periodic Partial Withdrawal,
Hardship Withdrawal or surrender the Policy to receive part or all of the
Accumulation Value at any time before the Annuity Commencement Date and while
the Annuitant is living, by sending a written request to NYLIAC. The amount
available for withdrawal is the Accumulation Value at the end of the Valuation
Period during which the surrender or withdrawal request is received at NYLIAC,
P.O. Box 290781, Wethersfield, Connecticut 06129-0781, less any outstanding loan
balance, any Surrender Charges and any premium taxes which we may deduct, less
the charge for Policy administration expenses, if applicable. The Policy
administration expense charge will be the lesser of $30 or 2% of the
Accumulation Value at the end of the Policy Year or on the date of surrender,
whichever is applicable. If at the time the Owner makes a withdrawal or
surrender request, he or she has not provided NYLIAC with a written election not
to have federal income taxes withheld, NYLIAC must by law withhold such taxes
from the taxable portion of any surrender or withdrawal, and remit that amount
to the federal government. In addition, some states have enacted legislation
requiring withholding. All surrenders or withdrawals will be paid within seven
days of receipt of all documents (including documents necessary to comply with
federal and state tax law), subject to postponement in certain circumstances.
(See "Delay of Payments" at page 33.)
    
 
     Since the Owner assumes the investment risk with respect to amounts
allocated to the Separate Account and because certain surrenders or withdrawals
are subject to a Surrender Charge and premium tax deduction, the total amount
paid upon surrender of the Policy (taking into account any prior withdrawals)
may be more or less than the total Premium Payments made.
 
   
     Surrenders and withdrawals may be taxable transactions, and the Internal
Revenue Code provides that a 10% penalty tax may be imposed on certain early
surrenders or withdrawals. (See "Federal Tax Matters--Taxation of Annuities in
General" at page 38.)
    
 
     (a) Surrenders
 
     A Surrender Charge and any premium tax, if applicable, less any outstanding
loan balance, and less the charge for Policy administration expenses, if
applicable, may be deducted from the amount paid. The Policy administration
expense charge will be the
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   33
 
   
lesser of $30 or 2% of the Accumulation Value at the end of the Policy Year or
on the date of surrender, whichever is applicable. The proceeds will be paid in
a lump sum to the Owner unless the Owner elects a different Income Payment
method. (See "Income Payments" at page 32.) Surrenders may be taxable
transactions and the 10% penalty tax provisions may be applicable. (See "Federal
Tax Matters--Taxation of Annuities in General" at page 38.)
    
 
     (b) Partial Withdrawals
 
   
     The minimum amount that can be withdrawn is $500, unless we agree
otherwise. The amount will be withdrawn from the Allocation Alternatives in
accordance with the Owner's request. If the Owner does not specify how to
allocate a Partial Withdrawal among the Allocation Alternatives, NYLIAC will
allocate the Partial Withdrawal on a pro-rata basis. Partial Withdrawals may be
taxable transactions and the 10% penalty tax provisions may be applicable. (See
"Federal Tax Matters--Taxation of Annuities in General" at page 38.)
    
 
     If the value in any of the Allocation Alternatives from which the Partial
Withdrawal is being made is less than or equal to the amount requested from that
Allocation Alternative, NYLIAC will pay the entire value of that Allocation
Alternative, less any Surrender Charge that may apply, to the Owner. NYLIAC will
not process Partial Withdrawal requests if honoring such requests would result
in an Accumulation Value of less than $2,000.
 
     (c) Periodic Partial Withdrawals
 
   
     The Owner may elect to receive regularly scheduled withdrawals from the
Policy. These withdrawals may be paid on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or
annual basis. The Owner elects the frequency of the withdrawals, and the day of
the month for the withdrawals to be made (may not be the 29th, 30th, or 31st of
a month). The Owner specifies which Investment Divisions and/or Fixed Account to
make the withdrawals from. The minimum withdrawal under this program is $100, or
such lower amount as we may permit. Periodic Partial Withdrawals may be taxable
transactions and the 10% penalty tax provisions may be applicable. (See "Federal
Tax Matters--Taxation of Annuities in General" at page 38.) If the Owner does
not specify otherwise, NYLIAC will withdraw money on a pro-rata basis from each
Investment Division and/or the Fixed Account.
    
 
   
     The Owner may elect to receive "Interest Only" Periodic Partial Withdrawals
for the interest earned on monies allocated to the Fixed Account. If this option
is chosen, the $100 minimum for Periodic Partial Withdrawals will be waived.
However, there must be at least $5,000 in the Fixed Account at the time of each
Periodic Partial Withdrawal, unless we agree otherwise. This option will void
the Fixed Account Initial Premium Guarantee, described at page 37.
    
 
     (d) Hardship Withdrawals
 
     Under certain Qualified Policies, the Plan Administrator may allow, in its
sole discretion, certain withdrawals it determines to be "Hardship Withdrawals."
The Surrender Charge, 10% penalty tax and provisions applicable to Partial
Withdrawals apply to Hardship Withdrawals. For all Policies, the Surrender
Charge will only be applied to any amounts withdrawn in any Policy Year which,
when added to all other surrender charge free withdrawals in that Policy Year,
exceed the 10% Window. For Policies with accumulated Premium Payments of
$100,000 or more, the Surrender Charge will not apply if the amount
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   34
 
of the Hardship Withdrawal is less than or equal to the gain in the Policy which
is measured as the Accumulation Value of the Policy less accumulated Premium
Payments.
 
     REQUIRED MINIMUM DISTRIBUTION OPTION
 
   
     For IRAs and IRA SEPs, the Owner is generally not required to elect the
Required Minimum Distribution Option until April 1st of the year following the
calendar year he or she attains age 70 1/2. For TSAs, the Owner is generally not
required to elect the Required Minimum Distribution Option until April 1st of
the year following the calendar year he or she attains age 70 1/2 or until April
1st of the year following the calendar year he or she retires, whichever occurs
last.
    
 
     CANCELLATIONS
 
     NYLIAC may, in its sole discretion, subject to any applicable state
insurance law or regulation, cancel a Policy if no Premium Payments are made for
two or more Policy Years in a row, and both (a) the total Premium Payments made,
less any Partial Withdrawals and any Surrender Charges, and (b) the Accumulation
Value, are less than $2,000. If such a cancellation occurs, NYLIAC will pay the
Owner the Accumulation Value. We will notify you of our intention to exercise
this right and give you 90 days to make a Premium Payment.
 
     ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE
 
     The Annuity Commencement Date is the date specified on the Policy Data
Page. The Annuity Commencement Date is the day that Income Payments are
scheduled to commence under the Policy unless the Policy has been surrendered or
an amount has been paid as proceeds to the designated Beneficiary prior to that
date. The Owner may change the Annuity Commencement Date to an earlier date by
providing written notice to NYLIAC. The Owner may defer the Annuity Commencement
Date to a later date agreed to by NYLIAC, provided that written notice of the
request is received by NYLIAC at least one month before the last selected
Annuity Commencement Date. The Annuity Commencement Date and Income Payment
method for Qualified Policies may also be controlled by endorsements, the plan,
or applicable law. The Surrender Charge will be waived if the Life Income
Payment Option is selected after the first policy anniversary.
 
     DEATH BEFORE ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT
 
     If an Owner or Annuitant dies prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, an
amount will be paid as proceeds to the designated Beneficiary, as of the date
proof of death and all requirements necessary to make the payment are received.
That amount will be the greater of (a) the Accumulation Value, less any
outstanding loan balance, (b) the sum of all Premium Payments made less any
outstanding loan balance, less any Partial Withdrawals and Surrender Charges on
those withdrawals or (c) the "reset value" plus any additional Premium Payments
made since the most recent "reset date," less any outstanding loan balance, less
any withdrawals made since the most recent "reset date" and any Surrender
Charges applicable to such withdrawals. The Reset Value, with respect to any
Policy, is recalculated every three years (six years in Texas) from the date of
the initial Premium Payment ("Reset Anniversary") until the Owner or Annuitant
reaches age 85, unless required otherwise by applicable state laws. The Reset
Value is calculated on the Reset Anniversary and is based on a comparison
between (a) the current Reset Anniversary's Accumulation Value, and (b) the
prior Reset Anniversary's value, plus any premiums since the prior Reset
Anniversary date, less any Partial Withdrawals and surrender charges on
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   35
 
those withdrawals since the last Reset Anniversary date. The greater of the
compared values will be the new Reset Value. The formula guarantees that the
amount paid will at least equal the sum of all Premium Payments (less any
outstanding loan balance, Partial Withdrawals and Surrender Charges on such
Partial Withdrawals), independent of the investment experience of the Separate
Account. The Beneficiary may receive the amount payable in a lump sum or under
any life income payment option which is then available.
 
     If an Owner or Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the
Policy will no longer be in force and we will pay as proceeds to the Beneficiary
an amount which is the greater of "(a)," "(b)," or "(c)" as they are described
in the preceding paragraph. Payment will be made in a lump sum to the
Beneficiary unless the Owner has elected or the Beneficiary elects otherwise in
a signed written notice which gives us the facts that we need. If such an
election is properly made, all or part of these proceeds will be:
 
          (i)  applied under the Life Income Payment Option to provide an
     immediate annuity for the Beneficiary who will be the Owner and Annuitant;
     or
 
   
          (ii) applied under another Income Payment option we may offer at the
     time. Payments under the annuity or under any other method of payment we
     make available must be for the life of the Beneficiary, or for a number of
     years that is not more than the life expectancy of the Beneficiary at the
     time of the Owner's death (as determined for federal tax purposes), and
     must begin within one year after the Owner's death. (See "Income Payments"
     below.)
    
 
   
     If the Owner's spouse is the Beneficiary, the proceeds can be paid to the
surviving spouse if the Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date or the
Policy can continue with the Owner's surviving spouse as the new Owner, and, if
the Owner was the Annuitant, as the Annuitant. Generally, NYLIAC will not issue
a Policy to joint owners. However, if NYLIAC makes an exception and issues a
jointly owned policy, ownership rights and privileges under the Policy must be
exercised jointly and benefits under the Policy will be paid upon the death of
any joint owner. (See "Federal Tax Matters-- Taxation of Annuities in General"
at page 38.)
    
 
     If the Annuitant and, where applicable under another Income Payment option,
the Joint Annuitant, if any, die after the Annuity Commencement Date, NYLIAC
will pay the sum required by the Income Payment option in effect.
 
   
     Any distribution or application of Policy proceeds will be made within 7
days after NYLIAC receives all documents (including documents necessary to
comply with federal and state tax law) in connection with the event or election
that causes the distribution to take place, subject to postponement in certain
circumstances. (See "Delay of Payments" at page 33.)
    
 
     INCOME PAYMENTS
 
     (a) Election of Income Payment Options
 
   
     Income Payments will be made under the Life Income Payment Option or under
such other option we may offer at that time where permitted by State laws. We
will require that a single sum payment be made if the Accumulation Value is less
than $2,000. At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date, the Owner may
change the Income Payment option or request any other method of payment
agreeable to NYLIAC. If the Life Income Payment Option is chosen, proof of birth
date may be required before Income Payments
    
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   36
 
   
begin. For Income Payment options involving life income, the actual age of the
Annuitant will affect the amount of each payment. Since payments based on older
annuitants are expected to be fewer in number, the amount of each annuity
payment shall be greater. Payments under the Life Income Payment Option will
always be in the same specified amount and will be paid over the life of the
Annuitant with a guarantee of 10 years of payments, even if the Annuitant dies
sooner. NYLIAC does not currently offer variable
Income Payment Options.
    
 
     Under Income Payment options involving life income, the Payee may not
receive Income Payments equal to the total Premium Payments if the Annuitant
dies before the actuarially predicted date of death. Income Payment Options
involving life income are based on annuity tables that vary on the basis of
gender, unless the Policy was issued under an employer sponsored plan or in a
state which requires unisex rates.
 
     (b) Other Methods of Payment
 
     If NYLIAC agrees, the Owner (or the Beneficiary upon the death of the
Annuitant or the Owner prior to the Annuity Commencement Date) may choose to
have Income Payments made under some other method of payment or in a single sum.
 
     (c) Proof of Survivorship
 
     Satisfactory proof of survival may also be required, from time to time
before any Income Payments or other benefits will be paid. The proof will be
requested at least 30 days prior to the next scheduled benefit payment date.
 
     DELAY OF PAYMENTS
 
     Payment of any amounts due from the Separate Account under the Policy will
occur within seven days of the date NYLIAC receives all documents (including
documents necessary to comply with federal and state tax law) in connection with
a request unless:
 
          1. The New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than usual weekends
     or holidays, or trading on the Exchange is otherwise restricted;
 
          2. An emergency exists as defined by the Securities and Exchange
     Commission;
 
          3. The Securities and Exchange Commission permits a delay for the
     protection of security holders; or
 
          4. The check used to pay the premium has not cleared through the
     banking system. This may take up to 15 days.
 
     For the same reasons, transfers from the Separate Account to the Fixed
Account may be delayed.
 
     Payments of any amount due from the Fixed Account may also be delayed. When
permitted by law, we may defer payment of any partial or full surrender request
for up to six months from the date of surrender from the Fixed Account. Interest
of at least 3.5% per year will be paid on any amount deferred for 30 days or
more.
 
     DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY
 
     The Owner may select one or more Beneficiaries and name them in the
application. Thereafter, before the Annuity Commencement Date and while the
Annuitant is living, the
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   37
 
Owner may change the Beneficiary by written notice to NYLIAC. If before the
Annuity Commencement Date, the Annuitant dies before the Owner and no
Beneficiary for the proceeds or for a stated share of the proceeds survives, the
right to the proceeds or shares of the proceeds passes to the Owner. If the
Owner is the Annuitant, the proceeds pass to the Owner's estate. However, if the
Owner who is not the Annuitant dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, and no
Beneficiary for the proceeds or for a stated share of the proceeds survives, the
right to the proceeds or shares of the proceeds passes to the Owner's estate.
 
     RESTRICTIONS UNDER INTERNAL REVENUE CODE SECTION 403(B)(11)
 
     Distributions attributable to salary reduction contributions made in years
beginning after December 31, 1988 (including the earnings on these
contributions), as well as to earnings in such years on salary reduction
accumulations held as of the end of the last year beginning before January 1,
1989, may not begin before the employee attains age 59 1/2, separates from
service, dies or becomes disabled. The plan may also provide for distribution in
the case of hardship. However, hardship distributions are limited to amounts
contributed by salary reduction; the earnings on such amounts may not be
withdrawn. Even though a distribution may be permitted under these rules (e.g.
for hardship or after separation from service), it may nonetheless be subject to
a 10% additional income tax as a premature distribution. To the extent that
these limitations on distributions conflict with the redeemability provisions of
the Investment Company Act, NYLIAC relies upon the November 28, 1988 SEC
"No-Action" letter for exemptive relief.
 
     Under the terms of your plan you may have the option to invest in other
403(b) funding vehicles, including 403(b)(7) custodial accounts. You should
consult your plan document to make this determination.
 
     LOANS
 
   
     Under your 403(b) Policy, you may borrow against your Policy's Accumulation
Value after the first Policy Year and prior to the Annuity Commencement Date.
Unless we agree otherwise, only one loan may be outstanding at a time, however,
an existing loan balance from an inforce Policy may be "rolled" into a new,
larger loan for the same policy. A minimum Accumulation Value of $5,000 must
remain in the Policy. The minimum loan amount is $500. The maximum loan that may
be taken is the lesser of: (a) 50% of the Policy's Accumulation Value on the
date of the loan or (b) $50,000. A loan processing fee of $25 will be withdrawn
from the Accumulation Value on a pro rata basis, unless prohibited by applicable
state law or regulation. If on the date of the loan you do not have a Fixed
Accumulation Value equal to at least 125% (110% in New York) of the loan amount,
sufficient Accumulation Value will be transferred from the Investment Divisions
on a pro rata basis so that the Fixed Accumulation Value equals 125% (110% in
New York) of the loan amount. While a loan is outstanding no partial withdrawals
or transfers may be made which would reduce the Fixed Accumulation Value to an
amount less than 125% (110% in New York) of the outstanding loan balance.
    
 
     For plans not subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 ("ERISA"), the interest rate paid by the Owner of the loan will equal 5%.
The assets being held in the Fixed Account to secure the loan will be credited
with the minimum guaranteed interest rate of 3%. For plans subject to ERISA, the
interest charged on the loan will be applied at the then current Prime Rate plus
1%. The money being held in the Fixed Account
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   38
 
to secure the loan will be credited with a rate of interest that is the Prime
Rate less 1%, but will always be at least equal to the minimum guaranteed
interest rate of 3%. For all plans, interest will be assessed in arrears as part
of the periodic loan repayments.
 
     The loan must be repaid on a periodic basis at a frequency not less
frequently than quarterly and over a period no greater than five years from the
date it is taken. If a loan repayment is in default we will withdraw the amount
in default from the Fixed Accumulation Value to the extent permitted by Federal
Income Tax rules. Such a repayment will be taken on a FIFO basis from amounts
allocated to the Fixed Account.
 
     Loans to acquire a principal residence are permitted under the same terms
described above, except that:
 
          (a) the minimum loan amount is $5,000; and
 
          (b) repayment of the loan amount may be extended to a maximum of
     twenty-five years.
 
     Any outstanding loan balance will be deducted from the Fixed Accumulation
Value prior to payment of a surrender or the commencement of the annuity
benefits. On death of the Owner or Annuitant, any outstanding loan balance will
be deducted from the Fixed Accumulation Value as a Partial Withdrawal as of the
date the notice of death is received.
 
     Loans are subject to the terms of the Policy, your 403(b) Plan and the
Code, which may impose restrictions upon them. We reserve the right to suspend,
modify, or terminate the availability of loans under this Policy at any time.
However, any action taken by us will not affect already outstanding loans.
 
     RIDERS
 
     For no additional Premium Payment, two riders are included: an Unemployment
Benefit Rider, available on Non-Qualified and IRA Policies, and a Living Needs
Benefit Rider, available for all types of Policies. Both riders provide for an
increase in the amount that can be withdrawn from your Policy which will not be
subject to the imposition of a Surrender Charge upon the occurrence of certain
qualifying events. The riders are only available in those states where they have
been approved.
 
     (a) Living Needs Benefit Rider
 
     If the Annuitant enters a nursing home, becomes terminally ill or disabled
you, as Owner, may be eligible to receive all or a portion of the accumulated
value without paying a Surrender Charge. There is no additional charge for this,
and as the Owner you are automatically entitled to this benefit if it is
approved by your state. The Policy must have been inforce for at least one year
and have a minimum cash value of $5,000. Withdrawals will be taxable to the
extent of gain and, prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty.
This rider is in effect in all states where approved.
 
     (b) Unemployment Benefit Rider
 
     For all Non-Qualified Policies and IRAs, if you as Owner of the Policy
become unemployed, you may be eligible to increase the amount that can be
withdrawn from your Policy up to 50% without paying contract Surrender Charges.
There is no additional charge for this, and as Owner you are automatically
entitled to this benefit if it is approved by your state. This rider can only be
used once. The Policy must have been inforce for at least one
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   39
 
year and have a minimum cash value of $5,000. Withdrawals may be taxable
transactions and, prior to age 59 1/2, may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty. This
rider is in effect in all states where approved.
 
                               THE FIXED ACCOUNT
 
     The Fixed Account is supported by the assets in NYLIAC's general account,
which includes all of NYLIAC's assets except those assets specifically allocated
to NYLIAC's separate accounts. NYLIAC has sole discretion to invest the assets
of the Fixed Account subject to applicable law. An interest in the Fixed Account
is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, and the Fixed Account is not
registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Accordingly neither the Fixed Account nor any interests therein are generally
subject to the provisions of these statutes, and NYLIAC has been advised that
the staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission has not reviewed the
disclosures in this Prospectus relating to the Fixed Account. These disclosures
regarding the Fixed Account may, however, be subject to certain applicable
provisions of the Federal securities laws relating to the accuracy and
completeness of statements made in prospectuses.
 
     (a) Interest Crediting
 
     NYLIAC guarantees that it will credit interest at an effective rate of at
least 3% to amounts allocated or transferred to the Fixed Account under the
Policies. NYLIAC may, AT ITS SOLE DISCRETION, credit a higher rate or rates of
interest to amounts allocated or transferred to the Fixed Account. Interest
rates will be set on the anniversary of each payment or transfer and all Premium
Payments and additional amounts (including transfers from other Investment
Divisions) allocated to the Fixed Account, plus prior interest earned on such
amounts, will receive their applicable interest rate for one year periods from
the anniversary on which the allocation or transfer was made.
 
     (b) Transfers to Investment Divisions
 
     Amounts may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the Investment
Divisions up to 30 days prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, subject to the
following conditions.
 
          1. An amount NOT GREATER THAN 20% of the Fixed Accumulation Value at
     the beginning of the Policy Year may be transferred during that Policy Year
     from the Fixed Account to the Investment Divisions.
 
          2. Transfers of at least the minimum amount are permitted. The minimum
     amount that may be transferred from the Fixed Account to the Investment
     Divisions is the lesser of (i) $500 or (ii) the Fixed Accumulation Value,
     unless we agree otherwise. (Additionally, the remaining values in the Fixed
     Account must be at least $500. If, after a contemplated transfer, the
     remaining values in the Fixed Account would be less than $500, that amount
     must be included in the transfer, unless NYLIAC in its discretion
     determines otherwise. Amounts transferred from the Fixed Account will be
     determined on a FIFO basis, for purposes of determining the rate at which
     interest will be credited on monies remaining in the Fixed Account.)
 
     Except as part of an existing Dollar Cost Averaging request, money may not
be transferred into the Fixed Account if a transfer was made out of the Fixed
Account during the previous six-month period. Unlimited transfers are permitted
each Policy Year, al-
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   40
 
though we reserve the right to impose a charge of up to $30 per transfer for
each transfer in excess of twelve transfers in any Policy Year.
 
   
     Transfer requests must be in writing on a form approved by NYLIAC or by
telephone in accordance with established procedures. For a more detailed
discussion of procedures that may be used for requesting transfers by telephone,
please see "Procedures for Telephone Transfers" at page 23 of this Prospectus.
    
 
     Partial withdrawals will be deducted and any Surrender Charges will be
applied to the Fixed Account on a FIFO basis (i.e., from any value in the Fixed
Account attributable to Premium Payments or transfers from Investment Divisions
in the same order in which such payments or transfers were allocated to the
Fixed Account during the life of the Policy). NYLIAC will also determine such
partial withdrawals on a FIFO basis, for purposes of determining the rate at
which interest will be credited on any monies remaining in the Fixed Account.
 
     (c) Fixed Account Initial Premium Guarantee
 
     NYLIAC guarantees that upon any surrender of a Policy which occurs within
the first three Policy Years, the Owner will receive an amount equal to at least
that portion of the initial Premium Payment which was initially allocated to the
Fixed Account. However, this guarantee will not apply if the Owner transfers
money out of the Fixed Account (except transfers made under the Interest Sweep
option) or makes any Partial Withdrawals, including any Partial Withdrawals from
the Separate Account, during such period.
 
     See the Policy itself for details and a description of the Fixed Account.
 
                              FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
 
     INTRODUCTION
 
     THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS GENERAL AND IS NOT INTENDED AS TAX ADVICE. The
Qualified Policies are designed for use by individuals in retirement plans which
are intended to qualify as plans qualified for special income tax treatment
under Sections 219, 403, 408 or 457 of the Code. The ultimate effect of federal
income taxes on the Accumulation Value, on Income Payments and on the economic
benefit to the Owner, the Annuitant or the Beneficiary depends on the type of
retirement plan for which the Qualified Policy is purchased, on the tax and
employment status of the individual concerned and on NYLIAC's tax status. The
following discussion assumes that Qualified Policies are used in retirement
plans that qualify for the special federal income tax treatment described above.
This discussion is not intended to address the tax consequences resulting from
all of the situations in which a person may be entitled to or may receive a
distribution under a Policy. Any person concerned about these tax implications
should consult a competent tax adviser before making a Premium Payment. This
discussion is based upon NYLIAC's understanding of the present federal income
tax laws as they are currently interpreted by the Internal Revenue Service. No
representation is made as to the likelihood of continuation of the present
federal income tax laws or of the current interpretations by the Internal
Revenue Service. Moreover, no attempt has been made to consider any applicable
state or other tax laws except with respect to the imposition of any state
premium taxes.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   41
 
     TAXATION OF ANNUITIES IN GENERAL
 
     The following discussion assumes that the Policies will qualify as annuity
contracts for federal income tax purposes. The Statement of Additional
Information discusses such qualifications.
 
     Section 72 of the Code governs taxation of annuities in general. NYLIAC
believes that an annuity contract owner generally is not taxed on increases in
the value of a policy until distribution occurs either in the form of a lump sum
received by withdrawing all or part of the Accumulation Value (i.e., surrenders
or Partial Withdrawals) or as Income Payments under the Income Payment option
elected. The exception to this rule is that generally, an Owner of any deferred
annuity Policy who is not a natural person must include in income any increase
in the excess of the Owner's Accumulation Value over the Owner's investment in
the contract during the taxable year. However, there are some exceptions to this
exception and you may wish to discuss these with your tax counsel. The taxable
portion of a distribution (in the form of an annuity or lump sum payment) is
generally taxed as ordinary income. For this purpose, the assignment, pledge, or
agreement to assign or pledge any portion of the Accumulation Value generally
will be treated as a distribution.
 
     In the case of a withdrawal or surrender distributed to a participant or
Beneficiary under a Qualified Policy (other than a Qualified Policy used in a
retirement plan that qualifies for special federal income tax treatment under
Section 457 of the Code as to which there are special rules), a ratable portion
of the amount received is taxable, generally based on the ratio of the
investment in the contract to the total policy value. The "investment in the
contract" generally equals the portion, if any, of any Premium Payments paid by
or on behalf of an individual under a Policy which is not excluded from the
individual's gross income. For Policies issued in connection with qualified
plans, the "investment in the contract" can be zero.
 
     Generally, in the case of a withdrawal under a Non-Qualified Policy before
the Annuity Commencement Date, amounts received are first treated as taxable
income to the extent that the Accumulation Value immediately before the
withdrawal exceeds the "investment in the contract" at that time. Any additional
amount withdrawn is not taxable.
 
     Although the tax consequences may vary depending on the Income Payment
option elected under the Policy, in general, only the portion of the Income
Payment that represents the amount by which the Accumulation Value exceeds the
"investment in the contract" will be taxed; after the investment in the Policy
is recovered, the full amount of any additional Income Payments is taxable. For
Fixed Income Payments, in general, there is no tax on the portion of each
payment which represents the same ratio that the "investment in the contract"
bears to the total expected value of the Income Payments for the term of the
payments; however, the remainder of each Income Payment is taxable until the
recovery of the investment in the contract, and thereafter the full amount of
each annuity payment is taxable. If death occurs before full recovery of the
investment in the contract, the unrecovered amount may be deducted on the
annuitant's final tax return.
 
     In the case of a distribution pursuant to any Policy, there may be imposed
a penalty tax equal to 10% of the amount treated as taxable income. The penalty
tax is not imposed in certain circumstances, including, generally,
distributions: (1) made on or after the date on which the taxpayer is actual age
59 1/2, (2) made as a result of the Owner's or Annuitant's death or disability,
or (3) received in substantially equal installments paid at least annually as a
life annuity. Other tax penalties may apply to certain distributions pursuant to
a Qualified Policy.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   42
 
     All non-qualified, deferred annuity contracts issued by NYLIAC (or its
affiliates) to the same Owner during any calendar year are to be treated as one
annuity contract for purposes of determining the amount includable in an
individual's gross income. In addition, there may be other situations in which
the Treasury Department may conclude (under its authority to issue regulations)
that it would be appropriate to aggregate two or more annuity contracts
purchased by the same Owner. Accordingly, an Owner should consult a competent
tax adviser before purchasing more than one Policy or other annuity contract.
 
     A transfer of ownership of a Policy, or designation of an Annuitant or
other Beneficiary who is not also the Owner, may result in certain income or
gift tax consequences to the Owner that are beyond the scope of this discussion.
An Owner contemplating any transfer or assignment of a Policy should contact a
competent tax adviser with respect to the potential tax effects of such a
transaction.
 
     QUALIFIED PLANS
 
   
     The Qualified Policy is designed for use with several types of qualified
plans. The tax rules applicable to participants and beneficiaries in such
qualified plans vary according to the type of plan and the terms and conditions
of the plan itself. Special favorable tax treatment may be available for certain
types of contributions and distributions (including special rules for certain
lump sum distributions to individuals who attained the age of 50 by January 1,
1986). Adverse tax consequences may result from contributions in excess of
specified limits, distributions prior to age 59 1/2 (subject to certain
exceptions), distributions that do not conform to specified minimum distribution
rules, aggregate distributions in excess of a specified annual amount, and in
certain other circumstances. Therefore, NYLIAC makes no attempt to provide more
than general information about use of the Policies with the various types of
qualified plans. Owners and participants under qualified plans as well as
Annuitants and Beneficiaries are cautioned that the rights of any person to any
benefits under qualified plans may be subject to the terms and conditions of the
plans themselves, regardless of the terms and conditions of the Policy issued in
connection therewith. Purchasers of Policies for use with any qualified plan
should seek competent legal and tax advice regarding the suitability of the
Policy therefore.
    
 
          (a) Section 403(b) Plans.  Under Section 403(b) of the Code, payments
     made by public school systems and certain tax exempt organizations to
     purchase annuity policies for their employees are excludable from the gross
     income of the employee, subject to certain limitations. However, such
     payments may be subject to FICA (Social Security) taxes.
 
          (b) Individual Retirement Annuities.  Sections 219 and 408 of the Code
     permit individuals or their employers to contribute to an individual
     retirement program known as an "Individual Retirement Annuity" or "IRA",
     including an employer-sponsored Simplified Employee Pension or "SEP".
     Individual Retirement Annuities are subject to limitations on the amount
     which may be contributed and deducted and the time when distributions may
     commence. In addition, distributions from certain other types of qualified
     plans may be placed into Individual Retirement Annuities on a tax-deferred
     basis.
 
          (c) Deferred Compensation Plans.  Section 457 of the Code, while not
     actually providing for a qualified plan as that term is normally used,
     provides for certain deferred compensation plans with respect to service
     for state governments, local governments, political subdivisions, agencies,
     instrumentalities and certain affiliates of such entities and
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   43
 
     tax exempt organizations which enjoy special treatment. The Policies can be
     used with such plans. Under such plans, a participant may specify the form
     of investment in which his or her participation will be made. All such
     investments, however, are owned by, and are subject to, the claims of the
     general creditors of the sponsoring employer.
 
                          DISTRIBUTOR OF THE POLICIES
 
   
     NYLIFE Distributors Inc. ("NYLIFE Distributors"), 51 Madison Avenue, New
York, New York 10010, is the principal underwriter and the distributor of the
Policies and is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life. The
maximum commission typically paid to broker-dealers who have entered into dealer
agreements with NYLIFE Distributors is 6.5%. A portion of this amount will be
paid as commissions to registered representatives.
    
 
                                 VOTING RIGHTS
 
     The Funds are not required to hold routine annual stockholder meetings.
Each Fund's Board of Directors/Trustees has decided not to hold routine annual
stockholder meetings. Special stockholder meetings will be called when
necessary. Not holding routine annual meetings will result in Owners having a
lesser role in governing the business of the Funds.
 
     To the extent required by law, the Eligible Portfolio shares held in the
Investment Divisions of the Separate Account will be voted by NYLIAC at special
shareholder meetings of the Funds in accordance with instructions received from
persons having voting interests in the corresponding Investment Division. If,
however, the Investment Company Act of 1940 or any regulation thereunder should
be amended, or if the present interpretation thereof should change, and as a
result, NYLIAC determines that it is allowed to vote the Eligible Portfolio
shares in its own right, NYLIAC may elect to do so.
 
     The number of votes which are available to an Owner will be calculated
separately for each Investment Division of the Separate Account. That number
will be determined by applying his or her percentage interest, if any, in a
particular Investment Division to the total number of votes attributable to the
Investment Division.
 
     Prior to the Annuity Commencement Date, the Owner holds a voting interest
in each Investment Division to which Policy Value is allocated. The number of
votes which are available to an Owner will be determined by dividing the
Accumulation Value attributable to an Investment Division by the net asset value
per share of the applicable Eligible Portfolios.
 
     The number of votes of the Eligible Portfolio which are available will be
determined as of the date coincident with the date established by that Portfolio
for determining shareholders eligible to vote at the meeting of the relevant
Fund. Voting instructions will be solicited by written communication prior to
such meeting in accordance with procedures established by the relevant Fund.
 
     Fund shares as to which no timely instructions are received will be voted
in proportion to the voting instructions which are received with respect to all
Policies participating in that Investment Division. Voting instructions to
abstain on any item to be voted upon will be applied on a pro rata basis to
reduce the votes eligible to be cast. Each person having a voting interest in an
Investment Division will receive proxy material, reports and other materials
relating to the appropriate Eligible Portfolio.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   44
 
                           TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     A Statement of Additional Information is available which contains more
details concerning the subjects discussed in this Prospectus. The following is
the Table of Contents for that Statement:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                PAGE
                                                                                ----
<S>                                                                             <C>
THE POLICIES.................................................................     2
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS..........................................     2
GENERAL MATTERS..............................................................     6
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS..........................................................     7
DISTRIBUTOR OF THE POLICIES..................................................     8
SAFEKEEPING OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS.......................................     9
STATE REGULATION.............................................................     9
RECORDS AND REPORTS..........................................................     9
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS............................................................     9
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS......................................................    10
OTHER INFORMATION............................................................    10
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.........................................................   F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   45
 
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
<PAGE>   46
 
   
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
    
   
                                  MAY 1, 1997
    
                                      FOR
 
                       LIFESTAGES(SM)--A VARIABLE ANNUITY
                                      FROM
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                  INVESTING IN
    
   
                  NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
       (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NYLIAC LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
   
     This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus. Much of the
information contained in this Statement of Additional Information expands upon
subjects discussed in the current LifeStages(SM) Prospectus. Accordingly this
Statement should be read in conjunction with the current LifeStages(SM)
Prospectus dated May 1, 1997, which may be obtained by calling New York Life
Insurance and Annuity Corporation ("NYLIAC") at (800) 598-2019 or writing to
NYLIAC at 51 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10010. Terms used in the current
LifeStages(SM) Prospectus are incorporated in this Statement.
    
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS*
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                 ----
<S>                                                                              <C>
THE POLICIES (20).............................................................      2
     Valuation of Accumulation Units (25).....................................      2
INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS...........................................      2
     MainStay VP Cash Management Investment Division..........................      2
     MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond and
       MainStay VP Bond Investment Division Yields............................      3
     Total Return Calculations................................................      4
GENERAL MATTERS...............................................................      6
FEDERAL TAX MATTERS (37)......................................................      7
     Taxation of New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation..............      7
     Tax Status of the Policies...............................................      7
DISTRIBUTOR OF THE POLICIES (40)..............................................      8
SAFEKEEPING OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS........................................      9
STATE REGULATION..............................................................      9
RECORDS AND REPORTS...........................................................      9
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.............................................................      9
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.......................................................     10
OTHER INFORMATION.............................................................     10
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS..........................................................    F-1
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------
* (Numbers in parentheses refer to page numbers of corresponding sections of the
  current LifeStages(SM) Prospectus.)
<PAGE>   47
 
                                  THE POLICIES
 
     The following provides additional information about the Policies, to
supplement the description in the Prospectus, which may be of interest to some
Owners.
 
     VALUATION OF ACCUMULATION UNITS
 
     Accumulation Units are valued separately for each Investment Division of
the Separate Account. The method used for valuing Accumulation Units in each
Investment Division is the same. The value of each Accumulation Unit was
arbitrarily set as of the date operations began for the Investment Division.
Thereafter, the value of an Accumulation Unit of an Investment Division for any
Valuation Period equals the value of an Accumulation Unit in that Investment
Division as of the immediately preceding Valuation Period multiplied by the "Net
Investment Factor" for that Investment Division for the current Valuation
Period.
 
     The Net Investment Factor for each Investment Division for any Valuation
Period is determined by dividing (a) by (b) and subtracting (c) from the result,
where:
 
        (a) is the result of:
 
             (1) the net asset value per share of the Eligible Portfolio shares
        held in the Investment Division determined at the end of the current
        Valuation Period, plus
 
             (2) the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
        distribution made by the Eligible Portfolio for shares held in the
        Investment Division if the "ex-dividend" date occurs during the current
        Valuation Period;
 
   
          (b) is the net asset value per share of the Eligible Portfolio shares
     held in the Investment Division determined as of the end of the immediately
     preceding Valuation Period; and
    
 
   
          (c) is a factor representing the charges deducted from the applicable
     Investment Division on a daily basis. Such factor is equal, on an annual
     basis, to 1.40% of the daily net asset value of the Separate Account and
     represents the 1.25% charge for mortality and expense risks (of which .75%
     is attributable to mortality risks and .50% to expense risks), and the .15%
     charge for policy administration expenses. (See "Other Charges" at page 27
     of the Prospectus.)
    
 
     The Net Investment Factor may be greater or less than one. Therefore, the
value of an Accumulation Unit in an Investment Division may increase or decrease
from Valuation Period to Valuation Period.
 
                      INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE CALCULATIONS
 
     MAINSTAY VP CASH MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT DIVISION
 
     In accordance with regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange
Commission, if NYLIAC discloses the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment
Division's current annualized yield for a seven-day period, it is required to do
so in a manner which does not take into consideration any realized or unrealized
gains or losses on shares of the MainStay VP Cash Management Portfolio or on its
portfolio securities. This current annualized yield is computed by determining
the net change (exclusive of realized gains and losses on the sale of securities
and unrealized appreciation and depreciation) in the value of a hypothetical
account having a balance of one unit of the MainStay VP Cash
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   48
 
Management Investment Division at the beginning of such seven-day period,
dividing such net change in account value by the value of the account at the
beginning of the period to determine the base period return and annualizing this
quotient on a 365-day basis. The net change in account value reflects the
deductions for administrative services and the mortality and expense risk charge
and income and expenses accrued during the period. Because of these deductions,
the yield for the MainStay VP Cash Management Division will be lower than the
yield for the MainStay VP Cash Management Portfolio.
 
     The Securities and Exchange Commission also permits NYLIAC to disclose the
effective yield of the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment Division for the
same seven-day period, determined on a compounded basis. The effective yield is
calculated by compounding the unannualized base period return by adding one to
the base period return, raising the sum to a power equal to 365 divided by 7,
and subtracting one from the result.
 
     The yield on amounts held in the MainStay VP Cash Management Investment
Division normally will fluctuate on a daily basis. Therefore, the disclosed
yield for any given past period is not an indication or representation of future
yields or rates of return. The MainStay VP Cash Management Investment Division's
actual yield is affected by changes in interest rates on money market
securities, average portfolio maturity of the MainStay VP Cash Management
Portfolio, the types and quality of portfolio securities held by the MainStay VP
Cash Management Portfolio, and its operating expenses.
 
   
     For the 7-day period ended December 31, 1996 the MainStay VP Cash
Management Investment Division's yield and effective yield were 4.04% and 4.12%,
respectively.
    
 
    MAINSTAY VP GOVERNMENT, MAINSTAY VP HIGH YIELD CORPORATE BOND AND MAINSTAY
    VP BOND INVESTMENT DIVISION YIELDS
 
     The current annualized yield of the MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP
High Yield Corporate Bond and MainStay VP Bond Investment Divisions refers to
the income generated by these Investment Divisions over a specified 30-day
period. Because the yield is annualized, the yield generated by an Investment
Division during the 30-day period is assumed to be generated each 30-day period.
The yield is computed by dividing the net investment income per accumulation
unit earned during the period by the price per unit on the last day of the
period, according to the following formula:

                    (6)
   YIELD = 2[(a-b+1)   -1]
              -----
               cd
 
Where: a = net investment income earned during the period by the Portfolio
           attributable to shares owned by the MainStay VP Government, MainStay
           VP High Yield Corporate Bond or MainStay VP Bond Investment Division.
 
       b = expenses accrued for the period (net of reimbursements).
 
       c = the average daily number of accumulation units outstanding during
           the period.
 
       d = the maximum offering price per accumulation unit on the last day of
           the period.
 
     Net investment income will be determined in accordance with rules
established by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accrued expenses will
include all recurring fees that are charged to all Owner accounts. The yield
calculations do not reflect the effect of any Surrender Charges that may be
applicable to a particular Policy. Surrender Charges range
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   49
 
from 7% to 0% of the Premium Payments withdrawn depending on the elapsed time
since the relevant Premium Payment was made.
 
     Because of the charges and deductions imposed by the Separate Account the
yield for the Investment Divisions will be lower than the yield for the
corresponding Portfolio of the Fund. The yield on amounts held in the Investment
Divisions normally will fluctuate over time. Therefore, the disclosed yield for
any given past period is not an indication or representation of future yields or
rates of return. The MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate
Bond or MainStay VP Bond Investment Division's actual yield will be affected by
the types and quality of portfolio securities held by the MainStay VP
Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond and MainStay VP Bond
Portfolios of the Fund and their operating expenses.
 
   
     For the 30-day period ended December 31, 1996, the annualized yields for
the MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate Bond and MainStay
VP Bond Investment Divisions were 5.72%, 6.59% and 4.64%, respectively.
    
 
     TOTAL RETURN CALCULATIONS
 
   
     This section presents performance data for the MainStay VP Capital
Appreciation, MainStay VP Cash Management, MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP
High Yield Corporate Bond, MainStay VP International Equity, MainStay VP Total
Return, MainStay VP Bond, MainStay VP Growth Equity, MainStay VP Indexed Equity,
Alger American Small Capitalization, Calvert Socially Responsible, Fidelity VIP
II: Contrafund, Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income, Janus Aspen Balanced and Janus
Aspen Worldwide Growth Investment Divisions for various periods of time.
    
 
   
     The data reflect all Separate Account and Fund annual expenses shown in the
"Fee Table" which appears on pages 6 and 7 of the Prospectus. The annual policy
fee, which is charged to Policies with less than $20,000 of Accumulation Value,
is not reflected. This fee, if applicable, would effectively reduce the rates of
return credited to a particular Policy. All rates of return presented include
the reinvestment of investment income, including interest and dividends.
    
 
   
     The Separate Account had no operations prior to May 1, 1995. For the period
of the underlying MainStay VP and Calvert Socially Responsible Portfolios'
inception dates to the dates those Portfolios were added to the Separate
Account, performance assumes that the Policies were available, which they were
not. For the period of the inception dates of the Alger American Small
Capitalization, Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund, Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income, Janus
Aspen Balanced and Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Portfolios until these
Portfolios were added to the Separate Account on October 1, 1996, performance
assumes that the Policies were available and these Portfolios were offered under
the Policies, which they were not. There is no performance information for the
MainStay VP Convertible and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity Investment
Divisions because they were first offered as of October 1, 1996. The results
shown are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment performance.
    
 
     AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN.  The average annual total return data in the
following table are calculated by two methods. The first method is prescribed by
the SEC for use when we advertise the performance of the Separate Account and
assumes the surrender of the Policy at the end of each period shown. The second
method assumes that the Policy
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   50
 
is not surrendered and, therefore, does not reflect the deduction of any
applicable surrender charges.
 
     Average annual total return quotations under both calculation methods are
computed by finding the average annual compounded rates of return over the
periods shown that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending
redeemable value, according to the following formula:
 
                                      (n)
                                P(1+T)    = ERV
 
Where: P = a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000.
 
       T = average annual total return.
 
       n = number of years.
 
     ERV = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
           beginning of the one, five, or ten-year period or the inception date,
           at the end of the one, five or ten-year period (or fractional portion
           thereof).
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAINSTAY VP
                                       MAINSTAY VP    MAINSTAY VP                 HIGH YIELD    MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP
                                         CAPITAL         CASH       MAINSTAY VP    CORPORATE    INTERNATIONAL    TOTAL
           INCEPTION DATE              APPRECIATION   MANAGEMENT    GOVERNMENT       BOND         EQUITY        RETURN
- -------------------------------------  ------------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                         1/29/93        1/29/93       1/29/93       5/1/95        5/1/95        1/29/93
 
<S>                                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN 
  (IF SURRENDERED)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)............      10.10%         (2.96%)       (5.50%)        8.55%         2.14%         3.56%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)............      12.09%          1.15%         1.76%          N/A           N/A          7.84%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Since Inception......................      14.31%          1.41%         2.65%        10.51%         6.89%         9.61%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN 
  (NO SURRENDERS)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)............      17.10%          3.56%         0.85%        15.55%         9.00%        10.52%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)............      13.92%          3.36%         3.96%          N/A           N/A          9.81%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)............        N/A            N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A           N/A
Since Inception......................      15.50%          2.86%         4.12%        14.38%        10.85%        10.95%
</TABLE>
    
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP     CALVERT
                                                  MAINSTAY VP   MAINSTAY VP     GROWTH        INDEXED      SOCIALLY
                 INCEPTION DATE                      VALUE         BOND         EQUITY        EQUITY      RESPONSIBLE
- ------------------------------------------------  -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------   -----------
                                                    5/1/95        1/23/84       1/23/84       1/29/93       9/2/86
 
<S>                                               <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN (IF SURRENDERED)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96).......................      14.51%        (5.72%)       15.77%        13.72%        4.06%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96).......................        N/A          1.58%        14.23%        15.70%        8.75%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96).......................        N/A          4.58%        13.07%          N/A         7.91%
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96).......................        N/A          6.79%        12.65%          N/A         9.56%
Since Inception.................................      17.31%         8.49%        11.40%        13.88%        8.84%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (NO SURRENDERS)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96).......................      21.51%         0.62%        22.77%        20.72%       11.06%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96).......................        N/A          3.80%        15.99%        17.42%       10.69%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96).......................        N/A          5.54%        13.91%          N/A         8.91%
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96).......................        N/A          6.79%        12.65%          N/A         9.56%
Since Inception.................................      21.04%         8.49%        11.40%        15.08%        8.84%
</TABLE>
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   51
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             ALGER AMERICAN                                                    JANUS ASPEN
                                                 SMALL        FIDELITY VIP II:   FIDELITY VIP:   JANUS ASPEN    WORLDWIDE
              INCEPTION DATE                 CAPITALIZATION      CONTRAFUND      EQUITY INCOME    BALANCED       GROWTH
- -------------------------------------------  --------------   ----------------   -------------   -----------   -----------
                                                9/20/88            1/3/95           10/9/86        9/13/93       9/13/93
 
<S>                                          <C>              <C>                <C>             <C>           <C>
SEC AVERAGE TOTAL RETURN (IF SURRENDERED)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)..................       (3.74%)           12.52%             5.68%          7.57%        20.24%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)..................        9.36%              N/A             14.85%         10.03%        15.23%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)..................        8.46%              N/A             15.56%           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)..................         N/A               N/A             11.99%           N/A           N/A
Since Inception............................       18.53%            25.73%            11.68%         11.37%        20.05%
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN (NO SURRENDERS)
 1 Year (1/1/96-12/31/96)..................        2.73%            19.52%            12.68%         14.57%        27.24%
 3 Year (1/1/94-12/31/96)..................       11.28%              N/A             16.59%         11.92%        16.96%
 5 Year (1/1/92-12/31/96)..................        9.46%              N/A             16.34%           N/A           N/A
10 Year (1/1/87-12/31/96)..................         N/A               N/A             11.99%           N/A           N/A
Since Inception............................       18.53%            28.50%            11.68%         13.00%        21.43%
</TABLE>
    
 
     Performance data for the Investment Divisions may be compared, in
advertisements, sales literature and reports to shareholders, to: (i) the
investment returns on various mutual funds, stocks, bonds, certificates of
deposit, tax free bonds, or common stock and bond indexes; and (ii) other groups
of variable annuity separate accounts or other investment products tracked by
Lipper Analytical Services, a widely used independent research firm which ranks
mutual funds and other investment companies by overall performance, investment
objectives, and assets, or tracked by other services, companies, publications,
or persons who rank such investment companies on overall performance or other
criteria.
 
     Reports and promotional literature may also contain the ratings New York
Life and NYLIAC have received from independent rating agencies. New York Life
and NYLIAC are among only a few companies that have consistently received among
the highest possible ratings from the four major independent rating companies:
A.M. Best and Moody's (for financial stability and strength) and Standard and
Poor's and Duff & Phelps (for claims paying ability). However, neither New York
Life nor NYLIAC guarantees the investment performance of the Investment
Divisions.
 
                                GENERAL MATTERS
 
     NON-PARTICIPATING.  The Policies are non-participating; no dividends are
payable.
 
   
     MISSTATEMENT OF AGE OR SEX.  If the Annuitant's stated age, sex or both in
the Policy are incorrect, NYLIAC will change the benefits payable to those which
the Premium Payments would have purchased for the correct age and sex. Sex is
not a factor when annuity benefits are based on unisex annuity payment rate
tables. (See "Income Payments--Election of Income Payment Options" at page 32 of
the Prospectus.) If payments were made based on incorrect age or sex, we will
increase or reduce a later payment or payments to adjust for the error. Any
adjustment will include interest, at 3.5% per year, from the date of the wrong
payment to the date the adjustment is made.
    
 
     ASSIGNMENTS.  If permitted by the plan or by law for the plan indicated in
the application for the Policy, a Non-Qualified Policy or any interest in it may
be assigned by the Owner prior to the Annuity Commencement Date and during the
Annuitant's lifetime. NYLIAC will not be deemed to know of an assignment unless
it receives a copy of a duly executed instrument evidencing such assignment.
Further, NYLIAC assumes no responsi-
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   52
 
   
bility for the validity of any assignment. (See "Federal Tax Matters--Taxation
of Annuities in General" at page 38 of the Prospectus.)
    
 
     MODIFICATION.  NYLIAC may not modify the Policy without the consent of the
Owner except to make the Policy meet the requirements of the Investment Company
Act of 1940, or to make the Policy comply with any changes in the Internal
Revenue Code or as required by the Code in order to continue treatment of the
Policy as an annuity, or by any other applicable law.
 
     INCONTESTABILITY.  We rely on statements made in the application. They are
representations, not warranties. The Policy will not be contested after it has
been in force during the lifetime of the annuitant for two years from the Policy
Date.
 
                              FEDERAL TAX MATTERS
 
     TAXATION OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
 
     NYLIAC is taxed as a life insurance company. Since the Separate Account is
not an entity separate from NYLIAC, and its operations form a part of NYLIAC, it
will not be taxed separately as a "regulated investment company" under
Subchapter M of the Code. Investment income and realized net capital gains on
the assets of the Separate Account are reinvested and are taken into account in
determining the Accumulation Value. As a result, such investment income and
realized net capital gains are automatically retained as part of the reserves
under the Policy. Under existing federal income tax law, NYLIAC believes that
Separate Account investment income and realized net capital gains should not be
taxed to the extent that such income and gains are retained as part of the
reserves under the Policy.
 
     TAX STATUS OF THE POLICIES
 
     Section 817(h) of the Code requires that the investments of the Separate
Account must be "adequately diversified" in accordance with Treasury regulations
in order for the Policies to qualify as annuity contracts under Section 72 of
the Code. The Separate Account intends to comply with the diversification
requirements prescribed by the Treasury under Treasury Regulation Section
1.817-5.
 
     To comply with regulations under Section 817(h) of the Code, the Separate
Account is required to diversify its investments, so that on the last day of
each quarter of a calendar year, no more than 55% of the value of its assets is
represented by any one investment, no more than 70% is represented by any two
investments, no more than 80% is represented by any three investments, and no
more than 90% is represented by any four investments. For this purpose,
securities of a single issuer are treated as one investment and each U.S.
Government agency or instrumentality is treated as a separate issuer. Any
security issued, guaranteed, or insured (to the extent so guaranteed or insured)
by the U.S. Government or an agency or instrumentality of the U.S. Government is
treated as a security issued by the U.S. Government or its agency or
instrumentality, whichever is applicable.
 
     Although the Treasury Department has issued regulations on the
diversification requirements, such regulations do not provide guidance
concerning the extent to which Owners may direct their investments to particular
subaccounts of a separate account, or the permitted number of such subaccounts.
It is unclear whether additional guidance in this
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   53
 
regard will be issued in the future. It is possible that if such guidance is
issued, the Policy may need to be modified to comply with such additional
guidance. For these reasons, NYLIAC reserves the right to modify the Policy as
necessary to attempt to prevent the Owner from being considered the owner of the
assets of the Separate Account or otherwise to qualify the Policy for favorable
tax treatment.
 
     The Code also requires that non-qualified annuity contracts contain
specific provisions for distribution of the policy proceeds upon the death of
any Owner. In order to be treated as an annuity contract for federal income tax
purposes, the Code requires that such Policies provide that (a) if any Owner
dies on or after the Annuity Commencement Date and before the entire interest in
the Policy has been distributed, the remaining portion must be distributed at
least as rapidly as under the method in effect on the Owner's death; and (b) if
any Owner dies before the Annuity Commencement Date, the entire interest in the
Policy must generally be distributed within 5 years after the Owner's date of
death. These requirements will be considered satisfied if the entire interest of
the Policy is used to purchase an immediate annuity under which payments will
begin within one year of the Owner's death and will be made for the life of the
Beneficiary or for a period not extending beyond the life expectancy of the
Beneficiary. The Owner's Beneficiary is the person to whom ownership of the
Policy passes by reason of death. If the Beneficiary is the Owner's surviving
spouse, the Policy may be continued with the surviving spouse as the new Owner.
Non-Qualified Policies contain provisions intended to comply with these
requirements of the Code. No regulations interpreting these requirements of the
Code have yet been issued and thus no assurance can be given that the provisions
contained in these Policies satisfy all such Code requirements. The provisions
contained in these Policies will be reviewed and modified if necessary to assure
that they comply with the Code requirements when clarified by regulation or
otherwise.
 
     Withholding of federal income taxes on the taxable portion of all
distributions may be required unless the recipient elects not to have any such
amounts withheld and properly notifies NYLIAC of that election. Different rules
may apply to United States citizens or expatriates living abroad. In addition,
some states have enacted legislation requiring withholding.
 
     Even if a recipient elects no withholding, special rules may require NYLIAC
to disregard the recipient's election if the recipient fails to supply NYLIAC
with a "TIN" or taxpayer identification number (social security number for
individuals) or if the Internal Revenue Service notifies NYLIAC that the TIN
provided by the recipient is incorrect.
 
                          DISTRIBUTOR OF THE POLICIES
 
   
     NYLIFE Distributors Inc. ("NYLIFE Distributors"), the distributor of the
Policies, will offer the Policies on a continuous basis. NYLIFE Distributors is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker-dealer and is a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. NYLIFE Distributors is an indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life. The maximum commission typically paid
to broker-dealers who have entered into dealer agreements with NYLIFE
Distributors is 6.5%. A portion of this amount will be paid as commissions to
registered representatives.
    
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   54
 
                     SAFEKEEPING OF SEPARATE ACCOUNT ASSETS
 
     Title to assets of the Separate Account is held by NYLIAC. The assets are
kept physically segregated and held separate and apart from NYLIAC's general
corporate assets. Records are maintained of all purchases and redemptions of
Eligible Portfolio shares held by each of the Investment Divisions.
 
                                STATE REGULATION
 
     NYLIAC is a stock life insurance company organized under the laws of
Delaware, and is subject to regulation by the Delaware State Insurance
Department. An annual statement is filed with the Delaware Commissioner of
Insurance on or before March 1 of each year covering the operations and
reporting on the financial condition of NYLIAC as of December 31 of the
preceding calendar year. Periodically, the Delaware Commissioner of Insurance
examines the financial condition of NYLIAC, including the liabilities and
reserves of the Separate Account.
 
     In addition, NYLIAC is subject to the insurance laws and regulations of all
the states where it is licensed to operate. The availability of certain policy
rights and provisions depends on state approval and/or filing and review
processes. Where required by state law or regulation, the Policies will be
modified accordingly.
 
                              RECORDS AND REPORTS
 
     All records and accounts relating to the Separate Account will be
maintained by NYLIAC. As presently required by the Investment Company Act of
1940 and regulations promulgated thereunder, NYLIAC will mail to all Owners at
their last known address of record, at least semi-annually after the first
Policy Year, reports containing such information as may be required under that
Act or by any other applicable law or regulation.
 
                               LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
   
     In 1995, NYLIAC and New York Life settled a class action related to the
sale of whole life and universal life insurance policies from 1982 through 1994.
In entering into the settlement, NYLIAC specifically denied any wrongdoing. The
settlement was approved by the judge, and has now been upheld on appeal,
including a recent refusal by the New York State Court of Appeals to permit a
discretionary appeal from the Appellate Division. The lone appellant has
recently filed two motions in the trial court seeking to enjoin implementation
of the settlement and to renew his objections to the settlement. The lone
appellant may file a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court
during the prescribed statutory period.
    
 
   
     There are also actions in various jurisdictions by individual policyowners
who either did or did not exclude themselves from the settlement of the
nationwide class action; and in each of two jurisdictions a purported class
action claiming to include numerous policyowners who excluded themselves from
the settlement of the nationwide class action; and in one jurisdiction a
purported class action claiming to include numerous policyowners who did not
exclude themselves from the class action. Most of these actions seek substantial
or unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
    
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   55
 
   
     NYLIAC is also a defendant in other individual and alleged class actions
arising from its insurance, investment and/or other operations, including
actions involving retail sales practices. Most of these actions also seek
substantial or unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. NYLIAC is also
from time to time involved as a party in various governmental, administrative,
and investigative proceedings and inquiries.
    
 
   
     Given the uncertain nature of litigation and regulatory inquiries, the
outcome of the above cannot be predicted. NYLIAC nevertheless believes that the
ultimate liability that could result from such litigation and proceedings would
not have a material adverse effect on NYLIAC's financial position; however, it
is possible that settlements or adverse determinations in one or more actions or
other proceedings in the future could have a material adverse effect on NYLIAC's
operating results for a given year.
    
 
                            INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     The annual financial statements of the Separate Account and NYLIAC will be
audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, 1177 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York. The financial statements included in this
Statement of Additional Information have been included in reliance on the
reports of Price Waterhouse LLP, given on the authority of that firm as experts
in auditing and accounting.
 
                               OTHER INFORMATION
 
     A registration statement has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, under the Securities Act of 1933 as amended, with respect to the
Policies discussed in this Statement of Additional Information. Not all of the
information set forth in the registration statement, amendments and exhibits
thereto has been included in this Statement of Additional Information.
Statements contained in this Statement of Additional Information concerning the
content of the Policies and other legal instruments are intended to be
summaries. For a complete statement of the terms of these documents, reference
should be made to the instruments filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   56
 
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   57
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As of December 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            MAINSTAY VP         MAINSTAY VP
                                              CAPITAL               CASH            MAINSTAY VP
                                            APPRECIATION         MANAGEMENT         CONVERTIBLE
                                           ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>
ASSETS:
  Investment at net asset value
    (Identified Cost: $88,898,113;
    $34,862,927; $12,718,635;
    $9,406,648; $81,183,175; $8,238,059;
    $61,939,654; $42,200,894;
    $13,158,639, respectively)..........    $ 97,022,945        $ 34,862,901        $ 12,976,783
 
LIABILITIES:
  Liability for mortality and expense
    risk charges........................         305,195             108,803              39,567
                                            ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total equity......................    $ 96,717,750        $ 34,754,098        $ 12,937,216
                                            ============        ============        ============
TOTAL EQUITY REPRESENTED BY:
  Equity of Policyowners:
    Variable accumulation units
      outstanding: 6,949,364;
      32,708,991; 249,710; 855,087;
      6,539,273; 692,262; 5,154,404;
      3,377,264; 1,192,662,
      respectively......................    $ 96,717,750        $ 34,754,098        $  2,585,046
  Equity of New York Life Insurance and
    Annuity Corporation:
    Variable accumulation units
      outstanding for the Convertible
      Investment Division: 1,000,000....              --                  --          10,352,170
                                            ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total equity......................    $ 96,717,750        $ 34,754,098        $ 12,937,216
                                            ============        ============        ============
    Variable accumulation unit value....    $      13.92        $       1.06        $      10.35
                                            ============        ============        ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       ALGER
                                            MAINSTAY VP         MAINSTAY VP           AMERICAN
                                               GROWTH             INDEXED              SMALL
                                               EQUITY              EQUITY          CAPITALIZATION
                                           ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                 <C>                 <C>
ASSETS:
  Investment at net asset value
    (Identified Cost: $33,129,480;
    $56,034,169; $1,199,953; $1,550,034;
    $2,523,704; $1,562,623; $1,287,386;
    $2,764,977; $792,164,
    respectively).......................    $ 32,001,863        $ 60,653,499        $  1,197,453
 
LIABILITIES:
  Liability for mortality and expense
    risk charges........................          98,411             186,484               1,356
                                            ------------        ------------        ------------
      Total equity......................    $ 31,903,452        $ 60,467,015        $  1,196,097
                                            ============        ============        ============
TOTAL EQUITY REPRESENTED BY:
  Equity of Policyowners:
    Variable accumulation units
      outstanding: 2,276,392; 4,327,291;
      125,006; 122,592; 240,533;
      149,389; 125,480; 269,333; 80,108,
      respectively......................    $ 31,903,452        $ 60,467,015        $  1,196,097
                                            ============        ============        ============
    Variable accumulation unit value....    $      14.01        $      13.97        $       9.57
                                            ============        ============        ============
</TABLE>
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   58
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        MAINSTAY VP        MAINSTAY VP        MAINSTAY VP
     MAINSTAY VP         HIGH YIELD       INTERNATIONAL          TOTAL           MAINSTAY VP        MAINSTAY VP
      GOVERNMENT       CORPORATE BOND         EQUITY             RETURN             VALUE               BOND
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
     $  9,142,457       $ 82,084,889       $  8,249,664       $ 64,901,856       $ 46,605,230       $ 12,727,023
 
           29,443            242,519             27,294            210,212            146,702             41,442
     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
     $  9,113,014       $ 81,842,370       $  8,222,370       $ 64,691,644       $ 46,458,528       $ 12,685,581
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
     $  9,113,014       $ 81,842,370       $  8,222,370       $ 64,691,644       $ 46,458,528       $ 12,685,581
               --                 --                 --                 --                 --                 --
     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
     $  9,113,014       $ 81,842,370       $  8,222,370       $ 64,691,644       $ 46,458,528       $ 12,685,581
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
     $      10.66       $      12.52       $      11.88       $      12.55       $      13.76       $      10.64
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    JANUS          MORGAN STANLEY
       CALVERT            FIDELITY           FIDELITY            JANUS              ASPEN             EMERGING
       SOCIALLY           VIP II:              VIP:              ASPEN            WORLDWIDE           MARKETS
     RESPONSIBLE         CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME         BALANCED            GROWTH             EQUITY
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
     $  1,532,401       $  2,559,897       $  1,562,256       $  1,285,853       $  2,792,790       $    801,791
 
            4,653              3,158              1,503              1,465              2,761                758
     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
     $  1,527,748       $  2,556,739       $  1,560,753       $  1,284,388       $  2,790,029       $    801,033
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
     $  1,527,748       $  2,556,739       $  1,560,753       $  1,284,388       $  2,790,029       $    801,033
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
     $      12.46       $      10.63       $      10.45       $      10.24       $      10.36       $      10.00
     ============       ============       ============       ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   59
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
For the year ended December 31, 1996
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                            MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP
                                                              CAPITAL                CASH               MAINSTAY VP
                                                           APPRECIATION           MANAGEMENT          CONVERTIBLE(a)
                                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                   <C>                   <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
  Dividend income.....................................     $      61,695         $   1,135,615         $     130,516
  Mortality and expense risk charges..................          (726,083)             (324,977)              (38,962)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net investment income (loss)....................          (664,388)              810,638                91,554
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
  Proceeds from sale of investments...................           486,600            85,254,960                 2,902
  Cost of investments sold............................          (404,467)          (85,255,180)               (2,851)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net realized gain (loss) on investments.........            82,133                  (220)                   51
  Realized gain distribution received.................                --                    --                22,531
  Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
    investments.......................................         7,874,228                   (27)              258,148
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net gain (loss) on investments..................         7,956,361                  (247)              280,730
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
  Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life
    Insurance and Annuity Corporation
    retained by Separate Account......................            (8,631)                 (270)                 (606)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net increase in total equity resulting from
        operations....................................     $   7,283,342         $     810,121         $     371,678
                                                            ============          ============          ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           ALGER
                                                            MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP            AMERICAN
                                                              GROWTH                INDEXED                SMALL
                                                              EQUITY                EQUITY           CAPITALIZATION(a)
                                                         ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>                   <C>                   <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME (LOSS):
  Dividend income.....................................     $     269,488         $     855,543         $          --
  Mortality and expense risk charges..................          (213,996)             (393,614)               (1,352)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net investment income (loss)....................            55,492               461,929                (1,352)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
  Proceeds from sale of investments...................           217,409               238,777                13,078
  Cost of investments sold............................          (215,047)             (204,934)              (13,381)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net realized gain (loss) on investments.........             2,362                33,843                  (303)
  Realized gain distribution received.................         3,899,589               660,493                    --
  Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on
    investments.......................................          (956,785)            4,658,706                (2,501)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net gain (loss) on investments..................         2,945,166             5,353,042                (2,804)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
  Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life
    Insurance and Annuity Corporation retained by
    Separate Account..................................            (5,191)              (10,453)                   (4)
                                                            ------------          ------------          ------------
      Net increase (decrease) in total equity
        resulting from operations.....................     $   2,995,467         $   5,804,518         $      (4,160)
                                                            ============          ============          ============
</TABLE>
 
(a) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
31, 1996.
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   60
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP
       MAINSTAY VP           HIGH YIELD           INTERNATIONAL             TOTAL              MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP
       GOVERNMENT          CORPORATE BOND            EQUITY                RETURN                 VALUE                 BOND
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
      $     573,541         $   3,859,992         $     400,989         $   1,305,132         $     546,333         $     812,105
            (83,465)             (537,942)              (62,230)             (508,367)             (332,109)             (104,468)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
            490,076             3,322,050               338,759               796,765               214,224               707,637
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
          1,484,822               483,940               574,596               893,046               469,189               748,147
         (1,589,511)             (439,697)             (543,310)             (825,383)             (407,132)             (770,277)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
           (104,689)               44,243                31,286                67,663                62,057               (22,130)
                 --             1,045,061                10,677                    --               621,260                    --
           (177,770)            1,034,049                10,409             2,963,990             4,267,746              (368,463)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
           (282,459)            2,123,353                52,372             3,031,653             4,951,063              (390,593)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
               (704)              (11,968)               (1,301)               (5,906)               (9,279)                 (916)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
      $     206,913         $   5,433,435         $     389,830         $   3,822,512         $   5,156,008         $     316,128
       ============          ============          ============          ============          ============          ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  JANUS            MORGAN STANLEY
         CALVERT              FIDELITY              FIDELITY                JANUS                 ASPEN               EMERGING
        SOCIALLY               VIP II:                VIP:                  ASPEN               WORLDWIDE              MARKETS
       RESPONSIBLE          CONTRAFUND(a)       EQUITY-INCOME(a)         BALANCED(a)            GROWTH(a)             EQUITY(a)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
      $      32,894         $          --         $          --         $      12,075         $      12,376         $       1,324
            (10,575)               (3,115)               (1,504)               (1,422)               (2,724)                 (750)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
             22,319                (3,115)               (1,504)               10,653                 9,652                   574
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
            108,666                    --                    --                19,610                 2,120                18,001
           (106,016)                   --                    --               (19,573)               (2,122)              (18,173)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
              2,650                    --                    --                    37                    (2)                 (172)
             81,014                    --                    --                    --                    --                    --
             (7,934)               36,193                  (367)               (1,534)               27,813                 9,627
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
             75,730                36,193                  (367)               (1,497)               27,811                 9,455
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
               (184)                  (43)                   --                   (43)                  (37)                   (7)
       ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------          ------------
      $      97,865         $      33,035         $      (1,871)        $       9,113         $      37,426         $      10,022
       ============          ============          ============          ============          ============          ============
</TABLE>
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   61
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN TOTAL EQUITY
For the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period
May 1, 1995 (Commencement of Operations) through December 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               MAINSTAY VP                           MAINSTAY VP
                                                          CAPITAL APPRECIATION                     CASH MANAGEMENT
                                                     -------------------------------       -------------------------------
                                                         1996               1995               1996               1995
                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
INCREASE IN TOTAL EQUITY:
  Operations:
    Net investment income (loss)..................   $   (664,388)      $     17,730       $    810,638       $     86,036
    Net realized gain (loss) on investments.......         82,133             27,997               (220)               (60)
    Realized gain distribution received...........             --                 --                 --                 --
    Change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation) on investments...............      7,874,228            250,604                (27)                --
    Decrease attributable to funds of New York
      Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
      retained by Separate Account................         (8,631)              (466)              (270)              (176)
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net increase in total equity resulting from
        operations................................      7,283,342            295,865            810,121             85,800
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
  Contributions and withdrawals:
    Equity contributions by New York Life
      Insurance and Annuity Corporation...........             --                 --                 --                 --
    Policyowners' premium payments................      6,695,280            613,994        350,217,192         52,879,690
    Policyowners' surrenders......................       (876,617)           (19,258)          (311,835)                 3
    Policyowners' annuity and death benefits......       (174,699)                --            (89,119)                --
    Net transfers from (to) Fixed Account.........        320,781             33,040         (2,160,711)           (40,722)
    Transfers between Investment Divisions........     72,162,586         10,383,436       (327,243,653)       (39,392,668)
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net contributions and withdrawals...........     78,127,331         11,011,212         20,411,874         13,446,303
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
        Increase in total equity..................     85,410,673         11,307,077         21,221,995         13,532,103
TOTAL EQUITY:
    Beginning of period...........................     11,307,077                 --         13,532,103                 --
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
    End of period.................................   $ 96,717,750       $ 11,307,077       $ 34,754,098       $ 13,532,103
                                                     ============       ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               MAINSTAY VP                           MAINSTAY VP
                                                              TOTAL RETURN                              VALUE
                                                     -------------------------------       -------------------------------
                                                         1996               1995               1996               1995
                                                     -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
INCREASE IN TOTAL EQUITY:
  Operations:
    Net investment income (loss)..................   $    796,765       $    159,502       $    214,224       $     28,244
    Net realized gain (loss) on investments.......         67,663              6,015             62,057              9,613
    Realized gain distribution received...........             --                 --            621,260                 --
    Change in unrealized appreciation
      (depreciation) on investments...............      2,963,990             (1,789)         4,267,746            136,591
    Decrease attributable to funds of New York
      Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
      retained by Separate Account................         (5,906)              (266)            (9,279)              (292)
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net increase (decrease) in total equity
        resulting from operations.................      3,822,512            163,462          5,156,008            174,156
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
  Contributions and withdrawals:
    Policyowners' premium payments................      4,782,594            270,670          3,152,430            115,567
    Policyowners' surrenders......................       (539,346)           (12,611)          (375,043)           (10,880)
    Policyowners' annuity and death benefits......        (18,557)                --            (31,082)                --
    Net transfers from (to) Fixed Account.........        (38,671)            44,775           (182,311)               201
    Transfers between Investment Divisions........     49,131,827          7,084,989         33,850,065          4,609,417
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net contributions and withdrawals...........     53,317,847          7,387,823         36,414,059          4,714,305
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
        Increase in total equity..................     57,140,359          7,551,285         41,570,067          4,888,461
TOTAL EQUITY:
    Beginning of period...........................      7,551,285                 --          4,888,461                 --
                                                     ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
    End of period.................................   $ 64,691,644       $  7,551,285       $ 46,458,528       $  4,888,461
                                                     ============       ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>
 
(a) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
    31, 1996.
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   62
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                MAINSTAY VP
    MAINSTAY VP               MAINSTAY VP                       HIGH YIELD                         MAINSTAY VP
    CONVERTIBLE               GOVERNMENT                      CORPORATE BOND                  INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
    ------------     -----------------------------     -----------------------------     -------------------------------
      1996(a)            1996             1995             1996             1995             1996              1995
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
    $    91,554      $    490,076     $    125,814     $  3,322,050     $    230,146     $    338,759      $     32,091
             51          (104,689)           1,438           44,243            8,294           31,286             3,127
         22,531                --               --        1,045,061           41,412           10,677                --
        258,148          (177,770)         (86,421)       1,034,049         (132,335)          10,409             1,196
           (606)             (704)             (63)         (11,968)            (277)          (1,301)              (62)
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
        371,678           206,913           40,768        5,433,435          147,240          389,830            36,352
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     10,000,000                --               --               --               --               --                --
         25,163           868,542           34,988        6,212,700          283,469          669,296            34,022
         (3,437)         (685,395)          (5,368)        (762,345)         (18,337)        (127,066)           (1,851)
             --            (2,576)              --          (62,320)              --               --                --
          5,137            (2,472)             160           75,022              132           25,429               (91)
      2,538,675         6,850,594        1,806,860       63,927,520        6,605,854        6,538,724           657,725
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     12,565,538         7,028,693        1,836,640       69,390,577        6,871,118        7,106,383           689,805
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     12,937,216         7,235,606        1,877,408       74,824,012        7,018,358        7,496,213           726,157
             --         1,877,408               --        7,018,358               --          726,157                --
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
    $12,937,216      $  9,113,014     $  1,877,408     $ 81,842,370     $  7,018,358     $  8,222,370      $    726,157
    ============     ============     ============     ============     ============     ============      ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          ALGER AMERICAN
             MAINSTAY VP                       MAINSTAY VP                       MAINSTAY VP                  SMALL
                BOND                          GROWTH EQUITY                    INDEXED EQUITY             CAPITALIZATION
    -----------------------------     -----------------------------     -----------------------------     --------------
        1996             1995             1996             1995             1996             1995            1996(a)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>              <C>
    $   707,637      $    106,909     $     55,492     $     24,561     $    461,929     $     67,733      $     (1,352)
        (22,130)            1,005            2,362           12,788           33,843           13,374              (303)
             --                --        3,899,589          215,561          660,493          109,107                --
       (368,463)          (63,154)        (956,785)        (170,833)       4,658,706          (39,376)           (2,501)
           (916)              (67)          (5,191)            (179)         (10,453)            (239)               (4)
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
        316,128            44,693        2,995,467           81,898        5,804,518          150,599            (4,160)
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
      1,075,713           122,959        1,623,667           76,948        4,036,124          148,405            90,796
       (170,897)             (484)        (218,309)            (498)        (536,208)          (2,608)           (2,025)
        (21,291)               --          (54,801)              --          (60,199)              --                --
       (251,813)               --           93,346             (552)        (142,226)           2,000             5,467
      9,912,712         1,657,861       24,711,617        2,594,669       47,219,415        3,847,195         1,106,019
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     10,544,424         1,780,336       26,155,520        2,670,567       50,516,906        3,994,992         1,200,257
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     10,860,552         1,825,029       29,150,987        2,752,465       56,321,424        4,145,591         1,196,097
      1,825,029                --        2,752,465               --        4,145,591               --                --
    ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
    $12,685,581      $  1,825,029     $ 31,903,452     $  2,752,465     $ 60,467,015     $  4,145,591      $  1,196,097
    ============     ============     ============     ============     ============     ============      ============
</TABLE>
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   63
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN TOTAL EQUITY (CONTINUED)
For the year ended December 31, 1996 and the period
May 1, 1995 (Commencement of Operations) through December 31, 1995
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      CALVERT                        FIDELITY
                                                                      SOCIALLY                       VIP II:
                                                                    RESPONSIBLE                     CONTRAFUND
                                                       --------------------------------------     --------------
                                                           1996                      1995            1996(a)
                                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                       <C>              <C>
INCREASE IN TOTAL EQUITY:
  Operations:
    Net investment income (loss)....................   $    22,319               $     10,729      $     (3,115)
    Net realized gain on investments................         2,650                        165                --
    Realized gain distribution received.............        81,014                      5,463                --
    Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
      on investments................................        (7,934)                    (9,699)           36,193
    Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life
      Insurance and Annuity Corporation retained by
      Separate Account..............................          (184)                       (13)              (43)
                                                       ------------              ------------      ------------
      Net increase in total equity resulting from
        operations..................................        97,865                      6,645            33,035
                                                       ------------              ------------      ------------
  Contributions and withdrawals:
    Policyowners' premium payments..................       115,702                        231           161,508
    Policyowners' surrenders........................       (52,684)                        --            (1,347)
    Net transfers from (to) Fixed Account...........       (10,686)                        --            46,266
    Transfers between Investment Divisions..........     1,190,501                    180,174         2,317,277
                                                       ------------              ------------      ------------
      Net contributions and withdrawals.............     1,242,833                    180,405         2,523,704
                                                       ------------              ------------      ------------
        Increase in total equity....................     1,340,698                    187,050         2,556,739
TOTAL EQUITY:
    Beginning of period.............................       187,050                         --                --
                                                       ------------              ------------      ------------
    End of period...................................   $ 1,527,748               $    187,050      $  2,556,739
                                                       ============              ============      ============
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                 JANUS          MORGAN STANLEY
                                                          FIDELITY            JANUS              ASPEN             EMERGING
                                                            VIP:              ASPEN            WORLDWIDE           MARKETS
                                                       EQUITY-INCOME         BALANCED            GROWTH             EQUITY
                                                       --------------     --------------     --------------     --------------
                                                          1996(a)            1996(a)            1996(a)            1996(a)
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>                <C>                <C>                <C>
INCREASE IN TOTAL EQUITY:
  Operations:
    Net investment income (loss)....................    $     (1,504)      $     10,653       $      9,652       $        574
    Net realized gain (loss) on investments.........              --                 37                 (2)              (172)
    Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
      on investments................................            (367)            (1,534)            27,813              9,627
    Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life
      Insurance and Annuity Corporation retained by
      Separate Account..............................              --                (43)               (37)                (7)
                                                        ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net increase (decrease) in total equity
        resulting from operations...................          (1,871)             9,113             37,426             10,022
                                                        ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
  Contributions and withdrawals:
    Policyowners' premium payments..................          57,029             71,053            187,630             70,861
    Policyowners' surrenders........................          (3,838)              (435)              (245)                --
    Net transfers from Fixed Account................          19,406             26,917             47,272              2,893
    Transfers between Investment Divisions..........       1,490,027          1,177,740          2,517,946            717,257
                                                        ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
      Net contributions and withdrawals.............       1,562,624          1,275,275          2,752,603            791,011
                                                        ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
        Increase in total equity....................       1,560,753          1,284,388          2,790,029            801,033
TOTAL EQUITY:
    Beginning of period.............................              --                 --                 --                 --
                                                        ------------       ------------       ------------       ------------
    End of period...................................    $  1,560,753       $  1,284,388       $  2,790,029       $    801,033
                                                        ============       ============       ============       ============
</TABLE>
 
(a) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
    31, 1996.
 
  The notes to the financial statements are an integral part of, and should be
              read in conjunction with, the financial statements.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   64
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE 1-- Organization and Accounting Policies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N
   
    ew York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation Variable Annuity Separate
    Account-III, formerly known as New York Life Insurance and Annuity
    Corporation LifeStages(SM) Annuity Separate Account, ("Separate Account")
    was established on November 30, 1994, under Delaware law by New York Life
Insurance and Annuity Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life
Insurance Company. This account was established to receive and invest premium
payments under Non-Qualified and Qualified Flexible Premium Variable Retirement
Annuity Policies issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation. The
non-qualified policies are designed to establish retirement benefits to provide
individuals with supplemental retirement income. The qualified policies are
designed to establish retirement benefits for individuals who participate in
qualified pension, profit sharing or annuity plans. The policies are distributed
by NYLIFE Distributors Inc. and sold by registered representatives of NYLIFE
Securities Inc. and certain banking institutions which have entered into a
distribution agreement with New York Life Insurance Company. NYLIFE Securities
Inc. and NYLIFE Distributors Inc. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of NYLIFE Inc.,
which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. The
Separate Account is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended, as a unit investment trust.
    
 
  The assets of the Separate Account are invested in the shares of the MainStay
VP Series Fund, Inc. (formerly, "New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc."), The
Alger American Fund, the Acacia Capital Corporation, the Fidelity Variable
Insurance Products Fund, the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund II, the
Janus Aspen Series and the Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc. (collectively,
"Funds"). These assets are clearly identified and distinguished from the other
assets and liabilities of New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation.
 
  On October 1, 1996, New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation created
seven new Investment Divisions within the Separate Account. These new Investment
Divisions offer the Separate Account seven new Eligible Portfolios to invest in:
the MainStay VP Convertible Portfolio, the Alger American Small Capitalization
Portfolio, the Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund Portfolio, the Fidelity VIP:
Equity-Income Portfolio, the Janus Aspen Balanced Portfolio, the Janus Aspen
Worldwide Growth Portfolio and the Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets Equity
Portfolio.
 
  The Separate Account offers the following eighteen variable Investment
Divisions, with their respective fund portfolios, for Policyowners to invest
premium payments: MainStay VP Capital Appreciation, MainStay VP Cash Management,
MainStay VP Convertible, MainStay VP Government, MainStay VP High Yield
Corporate Bond, MainStay VP International Equity, MainStay VP Total Return,
MainStay VP Value, MainStay VP Bond, MainStay VP Growth Equity, MainStay VP
Indexed Equity, Alger American Small Capitalization, Calvert Socially
Responsible, Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund, Fidelity VIP: Equity-Income, Janus
Aspen Balanced, Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth and Morgan Stanley Emerging Markets
Equity. Each Investment Division of the Separate Account will invest exclusively
in the corresponding Eligible Portfolio.
 
  Initial premium payments received are allocated to the MainStay VP Cash
Management Investment Division until 15 days after the policy issue date.
Thereafter, premium payments will be allocated to the Investment Divisions of
the Separate Account in accordance with the Policyowner's instructions. In
addition, the Policyowner has the option to transfer amounts between the
Investment Divisions of the Separate Account and the Fixed Account of New York
Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation.
 
  No Federal income tax is payable on investment income or capital gains of the
Separate Account under current Federal income tax law.
 
  Security Valuation--The investments are valued at the net asset value of
shares of the respective Fund portfolios.
 
  Security Transactions--Realized gains and losses from security transactions
are reported on the identified cost basis. Security transactions are accounted
for as of the date the securities are purchased or sold (trade date).
 
  Distributions Received--Dividend income and capital gain distributions are
recorded on the ex-dividend date and reinvested in the corresponding portfolio.
 
  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Actual
results could differ from those estimates.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   65
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 2--Investments (in 000's):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
 
    t December 31, 1996, the investments of the Separate Account are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAINSTAY
                                                           MAINSTAY VP               VP
                                                             CAPITAL                CASH              MAINSTAY VP
                                                           APPRECIATION          MANAGEMENT           CONVERTIBLE
                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Number of shares........................................        5,277               34,864                 1,264
Identified cost*........................................     $ 88,898             $ 34,863              $ 12,719
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAINSTAY               ALGER
                                                           MAINSTAY VP               VP                 AMERICAN
                                                              GROWTH              INDEXED                SMALL
                                                              EQUITY               EQUITY            CAPITALIZATION
                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Number of shares........................................        1,718                3,768                    29
Identified cost*........................................     $ 33,129             $ 56,034              $  1,200
</TABLE>
 
* The cost stated also represents the aggregate cost for Federal income tax
purposes.
 
  Investment activity for the year ended December 31, 1996, was as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAINSTAY
                                                           MAINSTAY VP               VP
                                                             CAPITAL                CASH              MAINSTAY VP
                                                           APPRECIATION          MANAGEMENT           CONVERTIBLE
                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Purchases...............................................     $ 78,223             $106,561              $ 12,721
Proceeds from sales.....................................          487               85,255                     3
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  MAINSTAY               ALGER
                                                           MAINSTAY VP               VP                 AMERICAN
                                                              GROWTH              INDEXED                SMALL
                                                              EQUITY               EQUITY            CAPITALIZATION
                                                           -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                        <C>                   <C>                 <C>
Purchases...............................................     $ 30,416             $ 52,046              $  1,213
Proceeds from sales.....................................          217                  239                    13
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   66
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     MAINSTAY VP        MAINSTAY VP      MAINSTAY VP
    MAINSTAY VP       HIGH YIELD       INTERNATIONAL        TOTAL        MAINSTAY VP      MAINSTAY VP
    GOVERNMENT      CORPORATE BOND        EQUITY           RETURN           VALUE             BOND
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
           953            7,069                774            4,457           3,353              992
     $   9,407         $ 81,183          $   8,238        $  61,940       $  42,201         $ 13,159
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            JANUS        MORGAN STANLEY
      CALVERT          FIDELITY          FIDELITY           JANUS           ASPEN           EMERGING
     SOCIALLY          VIP II:             VIP:             ASPEN         WORLDWIDE         MARKETS
    RESPONSIBLE       CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME      BALANCED         GROWTH            EQUITY
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
           864              155                 74               87             144               82
     $   1,550         $  2,524          $   1,563        $   1,287       $   2,765         $    792
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     MAINSTAY VP        MAINSTAY VP      MAINSTAY VP
    MAINSTAY VP       HIGH YIELD       INTERNATIONAL        TOTAL        MAINSTAY VP      MAINSTAY VP
    GOVERNMENT      CORPORATE BOND        EQUITY           RETURN           VALUE             BOND
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
     $   9,029         $ 74,459          $   8,055        $  55,198       $  37,847         $ 12,037
         1,485              484                575              893             469              748
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            JANUS        MORGAN STANLEY
      CALVERT          FIDELITY          FIDELITY           JANUS           ASPEN           EMERGING
     SOCIALLY          VIP II:             VIP:             ASPEN         WORLDWIDE         MARKETS
    RESPONSIBLE       CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME      BALANCED         GROWTH            EQUITY
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>             <C>                <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>
     $   1,459         $  2,524          $   1,563        $   1,307       $   2,767         $    810
           109               --                 --               20               2               18
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   67
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 3--Mortality and Expense Risk Charges:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
    he Separate Account is charged for administrative services provided and the
    mortality and expense risks assumed by New York Life Insurance and Annuity
    Corporation. These charges are made daily at an annual rate of 1.40% of the
daily net asset value of each Investment Division. The amounts of these charges
retained in the Investment Divisions represent funds of New York Life Insurance
and Annuity Corporation. Accordingly, New York Life Insurance and Annuity
Corporation participates in the results of each Investment Division ratably with
the Policyowners.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE 4 --Distribution of Net Income:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
    he Separate Account does expect to declare dividends to Policyowners from
    accumulated net investment income and realized gains. The income and gains
    are distributed to Policyowners as part of withdrawals of amounts (in the
    form of surrenders, death benefits, transfers, or annuity payments) in
excess of the net premium payments.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   68
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   69
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 5-- Cost to Policyowners and New York Life Insurance and Annuity
Corporation (in 000's):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
    t December 31, 1996, the cost to Policyowners and New York Life Insurance
    and Annuity Corporation for accumulation units outstanding, with adjustments
    for net investment income, market appreciation (depreciation) and deduction
for expenses is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MAINSTAY VP         MAINSTAY VP
                                                               CAPITAL               CASH            MAINSTAY VP
                                                             APPRECIATION         MANAGEMENT         CONVERTIBLE
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Cost to Policyowners and New York Life Insurance and
  Annuity Corporation (net of withdrawals)...............      $ 89,139            $ 33,857            $ 12,565
Accumulated net investment income (loss).................          (647)                897                  92
Accumulated net realized gain (loss) on investments and
  realized gain distributions received...................           110                  --                  23
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments....         8,125                  --                 258
Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life Insurance
  and Annuity Corporation retained by Separate Account...            (9)                 --                  (1)
                                                               --------            --------            --------
Net amount applicable to Policyowners and New York Life
  Insurance and Annuity Corporation......................      $ 96,718            $ 34,754            $ 12,937
                                                               ========            ========            ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        ALGER
                                                             MAINSTAY VP         MAINSTAY VP           AMERICAN
                                                                GROWTH             INDEXED              SMALL
                                                                EQUITY              EQUITY          CAPITALIZATION
                                                            ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Cost to Policyowners (net of withdrawals)................      $ 28,826            $ 54,512            $  1,200
Accumulated net investment income (loss).................            80                 530                  (1)
Accumulated net realized gain on investments and realized
  gain distributions received............................         4,130                 817                  --
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments....        (1,128)              4,619                  (3)
Decrease attributable to funds of New York Life Insurance
  and Annuity Corporation retained by Separate Account...            (5)                (11)                 --
                                                               --------            --------            --------
Net amount applicable to Policyowners....................      $ 31,903            $ 60,467            $  1,196
                                                               ========            ========            ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   70
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP
       MAINSTAY VP           HIGH YIELD           INTERNATIONAL             TOTAL              MAINSTAY VP           MAINSTAY VP
       GOVERNMENT          CORPORATE BOND            EQUITY                RETURN                 VALUE                 BOND
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
        $   8,865             $  76,261             $   7,795             $  60,706             $  41,130             $  12,325
              616                 3,552                   371                   956                   242                   815
             (103)                1,139                    45                    74                   693                   (21)
             (264)                  902                    12                 2,962                 4,404                  (432)
               (1)                  (12)                   (1)                   (6)                  (10)                   (1)
         --------              --------              --------              --------              --------              --------
        $   9,113             $  81,842             $   8,222             $  64,692             $  46,459             $  12,686
         ========              ========              ========              ========              ========              ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  JANUS            MORGAN STANLEY
         CALVERT              FIDELITY              FIDELITY                JANUS                 ASPEN               EMERGING
        SOCIALLY               VIP II:                VIP:                  ASPEN               WORLDWIDE              MARKETS
       RESPONSIBLE           CONTRAFUND           EQUITY-INCOME           BALANCED               GROWTH                EQUITY
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>                   <C>
        $   1,424             $   2,524             $   1,563             $   1,275             $   2,752             $     790
               33                    (3)                   (2)                   11                    10                     1
               89                    --                    --                    --                    --                    --
              (18)                   36                    --                    (2)                   28                    10
               --                    --                    --                    --                    --                    --
         --------              --------              --------              --------              --------              --------
        $   1,528             $   2,557             $   1,561             $   1,284             $   2,790             $     801
         ========              ========              ========              ========              ========              ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   71
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6--Unit Transactions (in 000's):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
 
    ransactions in accumulation units for the year ended December 31, 1996 and
    the period May 1, 1995 (Commencement of Operations) through December 31,
    1995, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              MAINSTAY VP                        MAINSTAY VP
                                                          CAPITAL APPRECIATION                 CASH MANAGEMENT
                                                       --------------------------     ---------------------------------
                                                         1996              1995            1996               1995
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>          <C>                <C>
Units issued on contribution by New York Life
  Insurance and Annuity Corporation.................        --                --               --                 --
Units issued on premium payments....................       508                53          334,902             51,863
Units redeemed on surrenders........................       (65)               (2)            (297)                --
Units redeemed on annuity and death benefits........       (13)               --              (85)                --
Units issued (redeemed) on net transfers from (to)
  Fixed Account.....................................        24                 3           (2,060)               (40)
Units issued (redeemed) on transfers between
  Investment Divisions..............................     5,544               897         (312,941)           (38,633)
                                                        ------               ---        ---------           --------
  Net increase......................................     5,998               951           19,519             13,190
Units outstanding, beginning of period..............       951                --           13,190                 --
                                                        ------               ---        ---------           --------
Units outstanding, end of period....................     6,949               951           32,709             13,190
                                                        ======               ===        =========           ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              MAINSTAY VP                        MAINSTAY VP
                                                              TOTAL RETURN                          VALUE
                                                       --------------------------     ---------------------------------
                                                         1996              1995            1996               1995
 
                                                        -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>          <C>                <C>
Units issued on premium payments....................       400                24              253                 11
Units redeemed on surrenders........................       (44)               (1)             (30)                (1)
Units redeemed on annuity and death benefits........        (2)               --               (3)                --
Units issued (redeemed) on net transfers from (to)
  Fixed Account.....................................        (3)                4              (15)                --
Units issued on transfers between
  Investment Divisions..............................     4,138               638            2,740                422
                                                        ------               ---        ---------           --------
  Net increase......................................     4,489               665            2,945                432
Units outstanding, beginning of period..............       665                --              432                 --
                                                        ------               ---        ---------           --------
Units outstanding, end of period....................     5,154               665            3,377                432
                                                        ======               ===        =========           ========
</TABLE>
 
(a) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
    31, 1996.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   72
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       MAINSTAY VP
    MAINSTAY VP              MAINSTAY VP               HIGH YIELD                    MAINSTAY VP
    CONVERTIBLE              GOVERNMENT              CORPORATE BOND              INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
    -----------         ---------------------     ---------------------     ------------------------------
      1996(a)             1996         1995         1996         1995         1996               1995
    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
         1,000               --           --           --           --           --                  --
             2               83            3          528           27           58                   3
            --              (67)          (1)         (64)          (2)         (11)                 --
            --               --           --           (5)          --           --                  --
             1               --           --            6           --            2                  --
           247              661          176        5,426          623          576                  64
         -----             ----         ----        -----         ----         ----                 ---
         1,250              677          178        5,891          648          625                  67
            --              178           --          648           --           67                  --
         -----             ----         ----        -----         ----         ----                 ---
         1,250              855          178        6,539          648          692                  67
         =====             ====         ====        =====         ====         ====                 ===
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                ALGER
                                                                                               AMERICAN
            MAINSTAY VP                   MAINSTAY VP               MAINSTAY VP                 SMALL
                BOND                     GROWTH EQUITY            INDEXED EQUITY            CAPITALIZATION
    ----------------------------     ---------------------     ---------------------        --------------
       1996               1995         1996         1995         1996         1995             1996(a)
 
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>                 <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>             <C>
           104               12          126            7          316           13                   9
           (16)              --          (17)          --          (42)          --                  --
            (2)              --           (4)          --           (5)          --                  --
           (24)              --            7           --          (10)          --                   1
           958              161        1,923          234        3,710          345                 115
         -----              ---        -----          ---        -----         ----                 ---
         1,020              173        2,035          241        3,969          358                 125
           173               --          241           --          358           --                  --
         -----              ---        -----          ---        -----         ----                 ---
         1,193              173        2,276          241        4,327          358                 125
         =====              ===        =====          ===        =====         ====                 ===
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   73
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 6--Unit Transactions (in 000's) (Continued):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                CALVERT                  FIDELITY           FIDELITY
                                                                SOCIALLY                 VIP II:              VIP:
                                                              RESPONSIBLE               CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME
                                                       --------------------------     --------------     --------------
                                                         1996              1995          1996(a)            1996(a)
                                                       ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>               <C>          <C>                <C>
Units issued on premium payments....................        10                --               16                  5
Units redeemed on surrenders........................        (4)               --               --                 --
Units issued (redeemed) on net transfers from (to)
  Fixed Account.....................................        (1)               --                4                  2
Units issued on transfers between
  Investment Divisions..............................       101                17              221                142
                                                                              --
                                                           ---                                ---                ---
  Net increase......................................       106                17              241                149
Units outstanding, beginning of period..............        17                --               --                 --
                                                                              --
                                                           ---                                ---                ---
Units outstanding, end of period....................       123                17              241                149
                                                           ===                ==              ===                ===
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      JANUS       MORGAN STANLEY
                                                        JANUS         ASPEN          EMERGING
                                                        ASPEN       WORLDWIDE        MARKETS
                                                       BALANCED      GROWTH           EQUITY
                                                       --------     ---------     --------------
                                                       1996(a)       1996(a)         1996(a)
                                                       -----------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>          <C>           <C>
Units issued on premium payments....................         7            18                7
Units issued on net transfers from
  Fixed Account.....................................         2             5               --
Units issued on transfers between
  Investment Divisions..............................       116           246               73
                                                                                           --
                                                           ---           ---
  Net increase......................................       125           269               80
Units outstanding, beginning of period..............        --            --               --
                                                                                           --
                                                           ---           ---
Units outstanding, end of period....................       125           269               80
                                                           ===           ===               ==
</TABLE>
 
(a) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
    31, 1996.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   74
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
                       (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   75
 
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
 
NOTE 7--Selected Per Unit Data+:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
    he following table presents selected per accumulation unit income and
    capital changes (for an accumulation unit outstanding throughout each
    period) with respect to each Investment Division of the Separate Account:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 MAINSTAY VP
                                                                            CAPITAL APPRECIATION
                                                                           -----------------------
                                                                            1996           1995(a)
                                                                           ----------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
Unit value, beginning of period.......................................     $11.89          $10.00
Net investment income (loss)..........................................      (0.17)           0.06
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on security transactions
  and realized capital gain distributions received (includes the
  effect of capital share transactions)...............................       2.20            1.83
                                                                           ------          ------
Unit value, end of period.............................................     $13.92          $11.89
                                                                           ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 MAINSTAY VP
                                                                            INTERNATIONAL EQUITY
                                                                           -----------------------
                                                                            1996           1995(a)
                                                                           ----------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
Unit value, beginning of period.......................................     $10.90          $10.00
Net investment income.................................................       0.87            1.36
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on security transactions
  and realized capital gain distributions received (includes the
  effect of capital share transactions)...............................       0.11           (0.46) 
                                                                           ------          ------
Unit value, end of period.............................................     $11.88          $10.90
                                                                           ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 MAINSTAY VP
                                                                               INDEXED EQUITY
                                                                           -----------------------
                                                                            1996           1995(a)
                                                                           ----------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>             <C>
Unit value, beginning of period.......................................     $11.58          $10.00
Net investment income (loss)..........................................       0.21            0.62
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) on security transactions
  and realized capital gain distributions received (includes the
  effect of capital share transactions)...............................       2.18            0.96
                                                                           ------          ------
Unit value, end of period.............................................     $13.97          $11.58
                                                                           ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
 +  Per unit data based on average monthly units outstanding during the period.
(a) For the period May 1, 1995 (Commencement of Operations) through December 31,
1995.
(b) For the period October 1, 1996 (Commencement of Operations) through December
31, 1996.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   76
 
                                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
   
                                           VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
              (FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
   
                                        LIFESTAGES(SM) ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                MAINSTAY VP
        MAINSTAY VP             MAINSTAY VP             MAINSTAY VP             HIGH YIELD
      CASH MANAGEMENT           CONVERTIBLE             GOVERNMENT            CORPORATE BOND
    -------------------     -------------------     -------------------     -------------------
     1996       1995(a)           1996(b)            1996       1995(a)      1996       1995(a)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
    $ 1.03      $ 1.00                   $10.00     $10.57      $10.00      $10.83      $10.00
      0.04        0.02                     0.08       0.86        2.49        1.02        1.15
     (0.01)       0.01                     0.27      (0.77)      (1.92)       0.67       (0.32) 
    -------     -------     -------------------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    $ 1.06      $ 1.03                   $10.35     $10.66      $10.57      $12.52      $10.83
    ========    ========    ======================= ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        MAINSTAY VP             MAINSTAY VP             MAINSTAY VP             MAINSTAY VP
       TOTAL RETURN                VALUE                   BOND                GROWTH EQUITY
    -------------------     -------------------     -------------------     -------------------
     1996       1995(a)      1996       1995(a)      1996       1995(a)      1996       1995(a)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
    $11.36      $10.00      $11.32      $10.00      $10.57      $10.00      $11.42      $10.00
      0.27        0.79        0.11        0.20        0.99        2.16        0.05        0.35
      0.92        0.57        2.33        1.12       (0.92)      (1.59)       2.54        1.07
    -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------     -------
    $12.55      $11.36      $13.76      $11.32      $10.64      $10.57      $14.01      $11.42
    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        ALGER                                                                                                       JANUS
      AMERICAN                    CALVERT                   FIDELITY          FIDELITY            JANUS             ASPEN
        SMALL                    SOCIALLY                    VIP II:            VIP:              ASPEN           WORLDWIDE
    CAPITALIZATION              RESPONSIBLE                CONTRAFUND       EQUITY-INCOME       BALANCED           GROWTH
    -------------     -------------------------------     -------------     -------------     -------------     -------------
       1996(b)            1996             1995(a)           1996(b)           1996(b)           1996(b)           1996(b)
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
       $ 10.00           $ 11.22           $ 10.00           $ 10.00           $ 10.00           $ 10.00           $ 10.00
         (0.02)             0.35              1.60             (0.03)            (0.02)             0.17              0.08
         (0.41)             0.89             (0.38)             0.66              0.47              0.07              0.28
        ------            ------            ------            ------            ------            ------            ------
       $  9.57           $ 12.46           $ 11.22           $ 10.63           $ 10.45           $ 10.24           $ 10.36
        ======            ======            ======            ======            ======            ======            ======
 
<CAPTION>
         MORGAN
         STANLEY
        EMERGING
         MARKETS
         EQUITY
      -------------
         1996(b)
<S> <C> <C>
         $ 10.00
            0.02
           (0.02)
         $ 10.00
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   77
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
To the Board of Directors of New York Life Insurance and
Annuity Corporation and the LifeStages(SM) Annuity Policyowners:
 
   
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities and the
related statement of operations, the statement of changes in total equity and
the selected per unit data present fairly, in all material respects, the
financial position of the New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
Variable Annuity Separate Account-III, formerly known as New York Life Insurance
and Annuity Corporation LifeStages(SM) Annuity Separate Account, comprised of
the MainStay VP Capital Appreciation Investment Division, MainStay VP Cash
Management Investment Division, MainStay VP Convertible Investment Division,
MainStay VP Government Investment Division, MainStay VP High Yield Corporate
Bond Investment Division, MainStay VP International Equity Investment Division,
MainStay VP Total Return Investment Division, MainStay VP Value Investment
Division, MainStay VP Bond Investment Division, MainStay VP Growth Equity
Investment Division, MainStay VP Indexed Equity Investment Division, Alger
American Small Capitalization Investment Division, Calvert Socially Responsible
Investment Division, Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund Investment Division, Fidelity
VIP: Equity-Income Investment Division, Janus Aspen Balanced Investment
Division, Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Investment Division, and Morgan Stanley
Emerging Markets Equity Investment Division at December 31, 1996, the results of
its operations for the year then ended (for the MainStay VP Convertible
Investment Division, the Alger American Small Capitalization Investment
Division, the Fidelity VIP II: Contrafund Investment Division, the Fidelity VIP:
Equity-Income Investment Division, the Janus Aspen Balanced Investment Division,
the Janus Aspen Worldwide Growth Investment Division and the Morgan Stanley
Emerging Markets Equity Investment Division for the period October 1, 1996
(commencement of operations) through December 31, 1996), the changes in its
total equity and the selected per unit data for the period presented in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These financial
statements and the selected per unit data (herein referred to as the "financial
statements") are the responsibility of management; our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We
conducted our audit of these financial statements in accordance with generally
accepted auditing standards which 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, assessing
the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit, which included confirmation of investments at December 31, 1996, with the
MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc., The Alger American Fund, the Acacia Capital
Corporation, the Fidelity Variable Insurance Products Fund, the Fidelity
Variable Insurance Products Fund II, the Janus Aspen Series, and the Morgan
Stanley Universal Funds, Inc., provides a reasonable basis for the opinion
expressed above.
    
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
February 19, 1997
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   78
 
                      (THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK)
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   79
 
   
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
 
   
         (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)
    
 
                                 BALANCE SHEET
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                                 -------------------
                                                                                                  1996        1995
                                                                                                 -----------------
                                                                                                    (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                              <C>         <C>
                                                       ASSETS
  Fixed maturities
    Available for sale, at fair value..........................................................  $11,854     $12,237
    Held to maturity, at amortized cost........................................................      647         566
  Equity securities............................................................................       70          70
  Mortgage loans...............................................................................    1,113       1,003
  Real estate..................................................................................      151         141
  Policy loans.................................................................................      464         435
  Other long-term investments..................................................................       17          17
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total investments......................................................................   14,316      14,469
  Cash and cash equivalents....................................................................      236         326
  Deferred policy acquisition costs............................................................      691         511
  Other assets.................................................................................      252         236
  Separate account assets......................................................................    2,445       1,444
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total assets...........................................................................  $17,940     $16,986
                                                                                                 =======     =======
 
                                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
LIABILITIES
  Policyholders' account balances..............................................................  $13,163     $12,853
  Future policy benefits.......................................................................      251         233
  Policy claims................................................................................       57          81
  Deferred income taxes........................................................................       47         156
  Other liabilities............................................................................      333         591
  Separate account liabilities.................................................................    2,403       1,396
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total liabilities......................................................................   16,254      15,310
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
  Capital stock -- par value $10,000
    (20,000 shares authorized, 2,500 issued and outstanding)...................................       25          25
  Additional paid in capital...................................................................      480         480
  Net unrealized gains on investments..........................................................       68         227
  Retained earnings............................................................................    1,113         944
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total stockholder's equity.............................................................    1,686       1,676
                                                                                                 -------     -------
        Total liabilities and stockholder's equity.............................................  $17,940     $16,986
                                                                                                 =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   80
 
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
 
         (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)
 
                              STATEMENT OF INCOME
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                                         1996        1995        1994
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                                (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
REVENUES
  Universal life and annuity fees....................................................   $  234      $  224      $  194
  Net investment income..............................................................    1,048       1,012       1,014
  Net realized investment gains (losses).............................................       65          38         (41)
  Other income.......................................................................       58          71          57
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
        Total revenues...............................................................    1,405       1,345       1,224
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
EXPENSES
  Interest credited to policyholders' account balances...............................      723         742         609
  Policyholder benefits..............................................................      117         168         154
  Operating expenses.................................................................      299         239         278
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
        Total expenses...............................................................    1,139       1,149       1,041
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
Income before Federal income taxes...................................................      266         196         183
Federal income taxes
  Current............................................................................      121          84          97
  Deferred...........................................................................      (24)         (8)        (10)
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
        Total Federal income taxes...................................................       97          76          87
Net income...........................................................................   $  169      $  120      $   96
                                                                                        ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   81
 
   
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
 
   
         (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)
    
 
                  STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        ------------------------------
                                                                                         1996        1995        1994
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                                (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
Statutory capital and surplus, beginning of year as previously reported..............   $   --      $   --      $  780
Cumulative effect of comprehensive change in basis of accounting (Note 2)............       --          --         532
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
Stockholder's equity, beginning of year as adjusted..................................    1,676       1,141       1,312
Net income...........................................................................      169         120          96
Change in unrealized gains and losses on investments.................................     (159)        415        (197)
Dividends paid to stockholder........................................................       --          --         (70)
                                                                                        ------      ------      ------
Stockholder's equity, end of year....................................................   $1,686      $1,676      $1,141
                                                                                        ======      ======      ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   82
 
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
 
         (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)
 
                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                        -------------------------------
                                                                                         1996        1995        1994
                                                                                        --------------------------
                                                                                                 (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                                                     <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net Income..........................................................................  $   169     $   120     $    96
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating
    activities:
    Depreciation and amortization.....................................................      (18)        (26)        (43)
    Capitalization of deferred policy acquisition costs...............................     (151)       (126)       (111)
    Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs.................................      107          86         139
    Policyholder expense charge.......................................................     (188)       (183)       (168)
    Interest credited to policyholders' account balances..............................      723         742         609
    Net realized investment (gains) losses............................................      (65)        (38)         41
    Deferred income taxes.............................................................      (24)         (8)        (10)
    Decrease in net separate account assets...........................................        6          17           2
    (Increase) decrease in other assets and other liabilities.........................     (127)        308        (179)
    (Decrease) increase in policy claims..............................................      (24)          8          19
    Increase (decrease) in future policy benefits.....................................       18         (80)         33
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
        Net cash provided by operating activities.....................................      426         820         428
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from sale of available for sale fixed maturities...........................    5,787       2,370       3,120
  Proceeds from maturity of available for sale fixed maturities.......................    1,505         930       1,266
  Proceeds from maturity of held to maturity fixed maturities.........................      141         103         160
  Proceeds from sale of equity securities.............................................       47          40          25
  Proceeds from repayment of mortgage loans...........................................      143         244         138
  Proceeds from sale of real estate...................................................       55          13          16
  Proceeds from other invested assets.................................................        4          31          --
  Cost of available for sale fixed maturities acquired................................   (7,447)     (4,320)     (4,605)
  Cost of held to maturity fixed maturities acquired..................................      (95)       (162)       (135)
  Cost of equity securities acquired..................................................      (43)        (12)         (1)
  Cost of mortgage loans acquired.....................................................     (280)       (320)       (139)
  Cost of real estate acquired........................................................      (35)        (14)        (54)
  Cost of other invested assets acquired..............................................       (8)         (5)        (16)
  Policy loans........................................................................      (29)        (25)        (31)
  Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (net)................................      (37)       (168)        105
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
    Net cash used in investing activities.............................................     (292)     (1,295)       (151)
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Policyholders' account balances:
    Deposits..........................................................................    1,069       1,252       1,153
    Withdrawals.......................................................................     (562)       (751)       (793)
    Net transfers to the separate accounts............................................     (733)       (238)       (172)
  Other, net..........................................................................       --         (52)        (70)
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
        Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities...........................     (226)        211         118
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents..........................        2          (1)          1
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents..................................      (90)       (265)        396
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..........................................      326         591         195
                                                                                        -------     -------     -------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year................................................  $   236     $   326     $   591
                                                                                        =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                See accompanying notes to financial statements.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   83
 
   
                NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
    
 
   
         (A WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY)
    
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                           DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND 1995
 
NOTE 1--Nature of Operations
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
N
   
    ew York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation ("NYLIAC") is a direct,
    wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company ("New York
    Life"). NYLIAC offers a wide variety of interest sensitive insurance and
    annuity products to a large cross section of the insurance market. NYLIAC
markets its products in all 50 of the United States, the District of Columbia
and Taiwan, primarily through its agency force. In addition, NYLIAC markets
Corporate Owned Life Insurance through independent brokers and brokerage general
agents.
    
 
NOTE 2--Significant Accounting Policies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of Presentation
T
    he accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with
    generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). The preparation of
    financial statements of life insurance enterprises requires management to
    make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may
differ from estimates.
 
Comprehensive Change in Basis of Accounting
 
   
  In 1996, NYLIAC adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
Interpretation No. 40 "Applicability of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
to Mutual Life Insurance and Other Enterprises," as amended by Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 120 "Accounting and Reporting by
Mutual Insurance Enterprises and by Insurance Enterprises for Certain
Long-Duration Participating Contracts," effective for fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 1995. Prior to the effective date of the Interpretation,
NYLIAC, consistent with industry practice, issued financial statements in
accordance with statutory accounting practices which were considered GAAP for
mutual life insurance companies and their life insurance subsidiaries.
Interpretation No. 40 establishes a new definition of GAAP for mutual life
insurance companies and their life insurance subsidiaries. Under the
Interpretation, financial statements of mutual life insurance companies and
their life insurance subsidiaries which are prepared on the basis of statutory
accounting practices, are no longer characterized as in conformity with GAAP.
    
 
  As a result, NYLIAC has prepared financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 1996 in accordance with GAAP. Financial statements for the years
ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, which were previously prepared on the
basis of statutory accounting, have been restated in accordance with GAAP. The
cumulative effect of the comprehensive change in basis of accounting of $532
million has been recorded as an increase in the beginning of year equity for the
year ended December 31, 1994, the earliest year presented herein (See Note 14
for a reconciliation of NYLIAC's statutory surplus and statutory net income with
stockholder's equity and net income on a GAAP basis).
 
Investments
 
   
  Fixed maturity investments, which NYLIAC has both the ability and the intent
to hold to maturity, are stated at amortized cost. Investments identified as
available for sale are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on
available for sale securities are reported in equity, net of deferred taxes and
related adjustments. The cost basis of fixed maturities is adjusted for
impairments in value deemed to be other than temporary, with the associated
realized loss reported in net income. Equity securities are carried at fair
value. Unrealized gains and losses related to such securities are reflected in
equity, net of deferred taxes and related adjustments. Realized losses are
recognized in net income for other than temporary declines in fair value.
Mortgage loans are carried at unpaid principal balances, net of impairment
allowances, and are generally secured. Investment real estate, which NYLIAC has
the intent to hold for the production of income, is carried at depreciated cost
net of write-downs for other than temporary declines in fair value. Properties
held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated
selling costs. Policy loans are stated at the aggregate balance due. The
carrying amount approximates fair value since loans on policies have no defined
maturity date and reduce amounts payable at death or surrender. Cash equivalents
include investments that have maturities of 90 days or less at date of purchase
and are carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Short-term
investments are included in fixed maturities on the balance sheet, and are
carried at amortized cost, which approximates fair value.
    
 
  Derivative financial instruments used by NYLIAC to hedge exposure to interest
rate and foreign currency fluctuations are accounted for on an accrual basis.
Realized gains and losses related to contracts that are effective hedges on
specific assets are deferred and recognized in net income in the same period as
gains and losses on the hedged assets. Amounts payable or
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   84
 
   
Investments (Continued)
    
receivable under interest rate, currency and commodity swap agreements and
interest rate floor agreements are recognized as investment income or expense
when earned. Premiums paid for interest rate floor agreements are amortized into
interest expense over the life of the agreement. Unamortized premiums are
included in other assets in the balance sheet. Unrealized gains and losses on
foreign currency forward exchange contracts are reported in equity. Realized
gains and losses are recognized in net income upon termination or maturity of
the contracts.
 
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
 
  The costs of acquiring new business and certain costs of issuing policies that
vary with and are primarily related to the production of new business have been
deferred and recorded as an asset in the balance sheet. These consist primarily
of commissions, certain expenses of underwriting and issuing contracts, and
certain agency expenses. Acquisition costs for universal life and annuity
contracts are amortized in proportion to estimated gross profits over the
effective life of these contracts, which is assumed to be 25 years for universal
life contracts and 15 years for annuities. Changes in assumptions are reflected
in the current year's amortization.
 
  The carrying amount of the deferred policy acquisition cost asset is adjusted
at each balance sheet date as if the unrealized gains or losses on investments
associated with these insurance contracts had been realized and included in the
gross profits used to determine current period amortization. The increase or
decrease in the deferred policy acquisition cost asset due to unrealized gains
or losses is recorded in stockholder's equity.
 
Recognition of Income and Related Expenses
 
  Amounts received under universal life and annuity contracts are reported as
deposits to policyholders' account balances. Revenues from these contracts
consist of amounts assessed during the period for mortality and expense risk,
policy administration and surrender charges. Policy benefits and claims that are
charged to expense include benefit claims incurred in the period in excess of
related policyholders' account balances.
 
Policyholders' Account Balances
 
   
  Policyholders' account balances on universal life and annuity contracts are
equal to cumulative deposits plus credited interest less withdrawals and
charges.
    
 
Federal Income Taxes
 
  NYLIAC is a member of a group which files a consolidated Federal income tax
return with New York Life. The consolidated income tax provision or benefit is
allocated among the members of the group in accordance with a tax allocation
agreement. The tax allocation agreement provides that each member of the group
is allocated its share of the consolidated tax provision or benefit determined
on a separate company basis. Current Federal income taxes are charged or
credited to operations based upon amounts estimated to be payable or recoverable
as a result of taxable operations for the current year. Adjustments to such
estimates are recorded in net income. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are recognized for the future tax consequence of temporary differences between
financial statement carrying amounts and income tax bases of assets and
liabilities.
 
  Current Federal income taxes include a provision for NYLIAC's allocable share
of the equity base tax applicable to mutual life insurance companies and their
subsidiaries. The amount recorded is based on NYLIAC's estimate of the
differential earnings rate used to compute the equity base tax.
 
Reinsurance
 
  NYLIAC enters into reinsurance agreements in the normal course of its
insurance business to reduce overall risk. NYLIAC remains liable for reinsurance
ceded if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligation on the business it has
assumed. NYLIAC evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize
its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies.
 
Separate Accounts
 
   
  NYLIAC has established separate accounts with varying investment objectives
which are segregated from NYLIAC's general account and are maintained for the
benefit of separate account contractholders and NYLIAC. Separate account assets
are stated at market value. The liability for separate accounts represents
contractholders' interests in the separate account assets, including accumulated
net investment income and realized and unrealized gains and losses on those
assets.
    
 
                                      F-29
<PAGE>   85
 
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
 
  Fair values of various assets and liabilities are included throughout the
notes to financial statements. Specifically, fair value disclosure of fixed
maturities, short-term investments, cash equivalents, equity securities and
mortgage loans is reported in Note 2 -- Significant Accounting Policies and Note
3 -- Investments. Fair values for policyholders' account balances are reported
in Note 5 -- Insurance Liabilities. Fair values for derivative financial
instruments are included in Note 10 -- Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk
Management. Fair values for repurchase agreements are included in Note 11 --
Commitments and Contingencies.
 
Business Risks and Uncertainties
 
   
  The development of policy liabilities for future policy benefits and deferred
policy acquisition costs for NYLIAC's products requires management to make
estimates and assumptions regarding mortality, morbidity, lapse, expense and
investment experience. Such estimates are primarily based on historical
experience and future expectations of mortality, morbidity, expense, persistency
and investment assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Management monitors actual experience, and where circumstances warrant, revises
its assumptions and the related estimates for liabilities for future policy
benefits and deferred policy acquisition costs.
    
 
  NYLIAC's investments are primarily comprised of fixed maturities and mortgage
loans. Significant changes in prevailing interest rates and geographic
conditions may adversely affect the timing and amount of cash flows on such
investments, as well as their related values. A significant decline in the
market value of these investments could have an adverse affect on NYLIAC's
balance sheet.
 
  NYLIAC regularly invests in mortgage-backed securities and other securities
subject to prepayment and call risk. Significant changes in prevailing interest
rates may adversely affect the timing and amount of cash flows on such
securities. In addition, the amortization of market premium and accretion of
market discount for mortgage-backed securities is based on historical experience
and estimates of future payment experience on the underlying mortgage loans.
Actual prepayment speeds will differ from original estimates and may result in
material adjustments to amortization or accretion recorded in future periods.
 
  As a subsidiary of a mutual life insurance company, NYLIAC is subject to a tax
on its equity base. The rates applied to NYLIAC's equity base are determined
annually by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") after comparison of mutual life
insurance company earnings for the year to the average earnings of the 50
largest stock life insurance companies for the prior three years. Due to the
timing of earnings information, estimates of the current year's tax must be made
by management. The ultimate amounts of equity base tax incurred may vary
considerably from the original estimates.
 
NOTE 3-- Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fixed Maturities
F
    or publicly traded fixed maturities, estimated fair value is determined
    using quoted market prices. For fixed maturities without a readily
    ascertainable market value, NYLIAC has determined an estimated fair value
    using either a discounted cash flow approach (including provisions for
credit risk, generally based upon the assumption such securities will be held to
maturity) or a proprietary matrix pricing model.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the maturity distribution of fixed maturities
was as follows (in millions):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996                     1995
                                                                      ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                                      AMORTIZED   ESTIMATED    AMORTIZED   ESTIMATED
                                                                        COST      FAIR VALUE     COST      FAIR VALUE
                                                                      --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Due in one year or less.............................................   $   489     $    491     $   755     $    762
Due after one year through five years...............................     3,019        3,039       2,782        2,850
Due after five years through ten years..............................     2,122        2,151       1,642        1,736
Due after ten years.................................................     2,030        2,091       1,795        1,967
Asset-backed securities:
  Government or government agency...................................     2,866        2,916       4,089        4,233
  Other.............................................................     1,168        1,166         657          689
                                                                       -------      -------     -------      -------
        Total Available for Sale....................................   $11,694     $ 11,854     $11,720     $ 12,237
                                                                       =======      =======     =======      =======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-30
<PAGE>   86
 
   
Fixed Maturities (Continued)
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               1996                     1995
                                                                      ----------------------   ----------------------
                                                                      AMORTIZED   ESTIMATED    AMORTIZED   ESTIMATED
                                                                        COST      FAIR VALUE     COST      FAIR VALUE
                                                                      --------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
HELD TO MATURITY
Due in one year or less.............................................    $  24        $ 24        $  29        $ 29
Due after one year through five years...............................      192         194          232         237
Due after five years through ten years..............................      235         241          208         221
Due after ten years.................................................      100         105           67          75
Asset-backed securities.............................................       96          96           30          31
                                                                         ----        ----         ----        ----
        Total Held to Maturity......................................    $ 647        $660        $ 566        $593
                                                                         ====        ====         ====        ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the distribution of gross unrealized gains and
losses on investments in fixed maturities was as follows (in millions):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1996
                                                                     ------------------------------------------------
                                                                     AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   ESTIMATED
                                                                       COST        GAINS        LOSSES     FAIR VALUE
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government corporations and agencies........   $ 1,243       $ 24         $  7       $  1,260
U.S. agencies, state and municipal.................................     2,561         64           15          2,610
Foreign governments................................................       191         13            1            203
Corporate..........................................................     6,531        131           47          6,615
Other..............................................................     1,168         19           21          1,166
                                                                      -------       ----          ---        -------
        Total Available for Sale...................................   $11,694       $251         $ 91       $ 11,854
                                                                      =======       ====          ===        =======
HELD TO MATURITY
Corporate..........................................................   $   551       $ 15         $  2       $    564
Asset-backed securities............................................        96         --           --             96
                                                                      -------       ----          ---        -------
        Total Held to Maturity.....................................   $   647       $ 15         $  2       $    660
                                                                      =======       ====          ===        =======
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1995
                                                                     ------------------------------------------------
                                                                     AMORTIZED   UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   ESTIMATED
                                                                       COST        GAINS        LOSSES     FAIR VALUE
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government corporations and agencies........   $ 1,840       $ 82         $  2       $  1,920
U.S. agencies, state and municipal.................................     3,563        150            8          3,705
Foreign governments................................................       318         26            1            343
Corporate..........................................................     5,342        249           11          5,580
Other..............................................................       657         33            1            689
                                                                      -------       ----          ---        -------
        Total Available for Sale...................................   $11,720       $540         $ 23       $ 12,237
                                                                      =======       ====          ===        =======
HELD TO MATURITY
Corporate..........................................................   $   536       $ 26         $ --       $    562
Asset-backed securities............................................        30          1           --             31
                                                                      -------       ----          ---        -------
        Total Held to Maturity.....................................   $   566       $ 27         $ --       $    593
                                                                      =======       ====          ===        =======
</TABLE>
    
 
Equity Securities
 
  Estimated fair value for equity securities, substantially all of which have a
readily ascertainable market value, has been determined using quoted market
prices.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the distribution of gross unrealized gains and
losses on equity securities is as follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  UNREALIZED   UNREALIZED   ESTIMATED
                                                                           COST     GAINS        LOSSES     FAIR VALUE
                                                                           ---------------------------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>    <C>          <C>          <C>
1996.....................................................................  $63       $  8          $1          $ 70
1995.....................................................................  $45       $ 28          $3          $ 70
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-31
<PAGE>   87
 
Mortgage Loans
 
  NYLIAC's mortgage loans are diversified by property type, location and
borrower. Mortgage loans are collateralized by the related property and
generally approximate 75% of the property's value at the time the original loan
is made. The carrying value of mortgage loans was $1,113 million and $1,003
million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
 
   
  The fair market value of the mortgage loan portfolio at December 31, 1996 and
1995, is estimated to be $1,194 million and $1,103 million, respectively. Market
values are determined by discounting the projected cash flow for each individual
loan to determine the current net present value. The discount rate used
approximates the current rate for new mortgages with comparable characteristics
and similar remaining maturities.
    
 
  At December 31, 1996, contractual commitments to extend credit under
commercial mortgage loan agreements amounted to approximately $25 million, all
at a fixed market rate of interest. These commitments are diversified by
property type and geographic region.
 
   
  Allowances related to mortgage loans were $20 million at December 31, 1996 and
1995. The activity in the allowances as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, is
summarized below (in millions):
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1996     1995
                                                                                                     -------------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>      <C>
Beginning balance..................................................................................  $20      $19
Charged to net loss................................................................................   (1)      (5) 
Principal write-offs...............................................................................    1        6
                                                                                                     ---      ---
Ending balance.....................................................................................  $20      $20
                                                                                                     ===      ===
</TABLE>
 
   
  Impaired mortgage loans along with specific allowances for losses as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, were as follows (in millions):
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1996     1995
                                                                                                     -------------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>      <C>
Impaired mortgage loans with provisions for losses.................................................  $39      $51
Provision for losses...............................................................................  (14)     (13) 
                                                                                                     ----     ----
Net impaired mortgage loans........................................................................  $25      $38
                                                                                                     ====     ====
</TABLE>
 
  NYLIAC accrues interest income on impaired loans to the extent it is deemed
collectible (delinquent less than 90 days) and the loan continues to perform
under its original or restructured contractual terms. Interest income on problem
loans is generally recognized on a cash basis. Cash payments on loans in the
process of foreclosure are generally treated as a return of principal.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, the distribution of the mortgage loan portfolio
by property type and geographic region was as follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    1996       1995
                                                                                                   ---------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>        <C>
PROPERTY TYPE:
  Office building................................................................................  $  643     $  639
  Retail.........................................................................................     235        184
  Apartments.....................................................................................     179        151
  Other..........................................................................................      56         29
                                                                                                   ------     ------
        Total....................................................................................  $1,113     $1,003
                                                                                                   ======     ======
 
GEOGRAPHIC REGION:
  Central........................................................................................  $  246     $  207
  Pacific........................................................................................     133        131
  Middle Atlantic................................................................................     377        365
  South Atlantic.................................................................................     307        273
  New England....................................................................................      33         12
  Other..........................................................................................      17         15
                                                                                                   ------     ------
        Total....................................................................................  $1,113     $1,003
                                                                                                   ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-32
<PAGE>   88
 
Real Estate
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, NYLIAC's real estate portfolio consisted of the
following (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1996     1995
                                                                                                     -------------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>      <C>
Investment.........................................................................................  $105     $101
Acquired through foreclosure.......................................................................   39       40
Real estate joint ventures.........................................................................    7       --
                                                                                                     ----     ----
        Total real estate..........................................................................  $151     $141
                                                                                                     ====     ====
</TABLE>
 
  Accumulated depreciation on real estate was $5 million at December 31, 1996
and 1995. Depreciation expense for 1996, 1995 and 1994, totaled $3 million, $3
million and $2 million, respectively.
 
NOTE 4--Investment Income and Capital Gains and Losses
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
    he components of net investment income for the years ended December 31,
    1996, 1995 and 1994, were as follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           1996       1995       1994
<S>                                                                                       <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                                          ------------------------
Fixed maturities.......................................................................   $  920     $  904     $  890
Equity securities......................................................................        3          3          5
Mortgage loans.........................................................................       93         82         86
Real estate............................................................................       21         19         16
Policy loans...........................................................................       37         35         31
Other..................................................................................        6          4         13
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
    Gross investment income............................................................    1,080      1,047      1,041
Investment expenses....................................................................      (32)       (35)       (27)
                                                                                          ------     ------     ------
    Net investment income..............................................................   $1,048     $1,012     $1,014
                                                                                          ======     ======     ======
</TABLE>
 
  For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, realized investment
gains and losses computed under the specific identification method are as
follows (in millions):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1996                 1995                 1994
                                                             ----------------     ----------------     ----------------
                                                             GAINS     LOSSES     GAINS     LOSSES     GAINS     LOSSES
                                                             -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                          <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>
Fixed maturities..........................................   $100      $ (64)     $ 62      $ (32)     $ 98      $(132) 
Equity securities.........................................     22         (1)       16         (7)        5         (1) 
Mortgage loans............................................     15        (19)       15        (19)        1         (5) 
Real estate...............................................      6         (3)        1         (1)        1         (4) 
Derivative instruments....................................     46        (41)      102       (102)        4        (14) 
Other.....................................................      7         (3)        9         (6)        7         (1) 
                                                             ----      -----      ----      -----      ----      -----
  Subtotal................................................   $196      $(131)     $205      $(167)     $116      $(157) 
                                                             ----      -----      ----      -----      ----      -----
Net realized investment gains (losses)....................         $65                  $38                 $(41)
                                                                   ===                  ===                  ===
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-33
<PAGE>   89
 
   
NOTE 4--Investment Income and Capital Gains and Losses (Continued)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
  Stockholder's equity at December 31, 1996 and 1995, includes net unrealized
gains and losses as follows (in millions):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1996     1995
<S>                                                                                                  <C>      <C>
                                                                                                     -------------
Net unrealized gains on investments before adjustments............................................   $163     $ 535
Related adjustments:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................................................   (60)      (196)
  Policyholder liabilities........................................................................     2          9
  Deferred Federal income taxes...................................................................   (37)      (121)
                                                                                                     ----      ----
                                                                                                     (95)      (308)
Net unrealized gains on investments included in stockholder's equity..............................   $68      $ 227
                                                                                                     ====      ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  Changes in net unrealized gains and losses on investments were as follows (in
millions):
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                    1996       1995
<S>                                                                                                 <C>       <C>
                                                                                                    --------------
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments before adjustments:
  Beginning of year..............................................................................   $ 535     $ (477)
  End of year....................................................................................     163        535
                                                                                                     ----       ----
  Net change.....................................................................................    (372)     1,012
Change in related adjustments:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs..............................................................     136       (391)
  Policyholder liabilities.......................................................................      (7)        17
  Deferred Federal income taxes..................................................................      84       (223)
                                                                                                     ----       ----
Change in unrealized gains on investments........................................................    (159)       415
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments at beginning of year................................     227       (188)
                                                                                                     ----       ----
Net unrealized gains on investments at end of year...............................................   $  68     $  227
                                                                                                     ====       ====
</TABLE>
    
 
NOTE 5--Insurance Liabilities
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policyholders' Account Balances
 
N
    YLIAC's annuity contracts are primarily deferred annuities. The carrying
    value, which approximates fair value, of NYLIAC's liabilities for deferred
    annuities at December 31, 1996 and 1995, was $7,345 million and $7,559
    million, respectively.
 
NOTE 6--Separate Accounts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
N
    YLIAC maintains seven non-guaranteed, registered separate accounts for its
    variable deferred annuity and variable life products with assets of $2,445
    million and $1,444 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
    NYLIAC maintains investments in the registered separate accounts of $42
million and $48 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively. The assets
of the separate accounts, which are carried at market value, represent
investments in shares of the New York Life sponsored MainStay VP Series Fund and
seven nonproprietary funds.
 
                                      F-34
<PAGE>   90
 
NOTE 7--Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
   
    n analysis of deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December
    31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, is as follows (in millions):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            1996      1995      1994
<S>                                                                                         <C>       <C>       <C>
                                                                                            ----------------------
Balance at beginning of year before adjustment for unrealized (gains) losses on
  investments............................................................................   $ 707     $ 667     $ 695
Current year deferral....................................................................     151       126       111
Amortized during year....................................................................    (107)      (86)     (139)
                                                                                            ------    ------    ------
Balance at end of year before adjustment for unrealized (gains) losses on investments....     751       707       667
Adjustment for unrealized (gains) losses on investments..................................     (60)     (196)      195
                                                                                            ------    ------    ------
Balance at end of year...................................................................   $ 691     $ 511     $ 862
                                                                                            ======    ======    ======
</TABLE>
    
 
NOTE 8--Federal Income Taxes
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
T
 
   
    he components of the net deferred income tax liability as of December 31,
    1996 and 1995, are as follows (in millions):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     1996     1995
<S>                                                                                                  <C>      <C>
                                                                                                     -------------
Deferred Tax Assets:
  Future policy benefits..........................................................................   $114     $ 105
  Employee benefits...............................................................................    26         43
  Other...........................................................................................    36          9
                                                                                                     ----      ----
    Gross deferred tax assets.....................................................................   176        157
                                                                                                     ----      ----
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs...............................................................   161        110
  Investments.....................................................................................    54        191
  Other...........................................................................................     8         12
                                                                                                     ----      ----
    Gross deferred tax liabilities................................................................   223        313
                                                                                                     ----      ----
    Net deferred tax liability....................................................................   $(47)    $(156)
                                                                                                     ====      ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  The gross deferred tax asset relates to temporary differences that are
expected to reverse as net ordinary deductions. Management believes that
NYLIAC's taxable income in future years will be sufficient to realize the
deferred tax benefits and therefore, no valuation allowance has been recorded.
 
  Set forth below is a reconciliation of the Federal income tax rate to the
effective tax rate for 1996, 1995 and 1994:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             1996     1995     1994
<S>                                                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
                                                                                             ---------------------
Statutory Federal income tax rate.........................................................   35.0%    35.0%    35.0%
    Equity base tax.......................................................................   3.2       --      11.7
    Investments in employee stock option loans............................................   (.7)     (1.3)    (1.4)
    Other.................................................................................   (.9)     5.2      3.3
                                                                                             ----     ----     ----
    Effective tax rate....................................................................   36.6%    38.9%    48.6%
                                                                                             ====     ====     ====
</TABLE>
    
 
  NYLIAC's Federal income tax returns are routinely audited by the IRS and
provisions are made in the financial statements in anticipation of the results
of these audits. The IRS has completed audits through 1990. There were no
material effects on NYLIAC's results of operations as a result of these audits.
NYLIAC believes that its recorded income tax liabilities are adequate for all
open years.
 
                                      F-35
<PAGE>   91
 
NOTE 9--Reinsurance
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
    group reinsurance agreement between NYLIAC and New York Life was approved by
    the New York State Insurance Department in 1981 and was terminated effective
    December 31, 1995. Under the terms of the agreement, NYLIAC assumed the
liabilities for group health long-term disability policies issued by New York
Life. Cash settlements were made between the companies as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                      31,
                                                                                             ----------------------
                                                                                             1996     1995     1994
<S>                                                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
                                                                                             ---------------------
Premiums due..............................................................................   $--      $(32)    $(33)
Benefit reimbursement.....................................................................    22       20       18
Experience refund.........................................................................     4        8       16
                                                                                             ---      ---      ---
Net settlement paid (received) by NYLIAC..................................................   $26      $(4)     $ 1
                                                                                             ===      ===      ===
</TABLE>
 
   
  As a result of the termination of the group reinsurance agreement between
NYLIAC and New York Life, NYLIAC transferred $119 million in fixed maturities to
New York Life during 1996 as payment for the policy liabilities related to the
disability claims covered under the group reinsurance contract. At December 31,
1995, NYLIAC had established a liability of $119 million for this payment.
    
 
NOTE 10--Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
N
    YLIAC uses derivative financial instruments to manage interest rate,
    currency and market risk. These derivative financial instruments include
    foreign currency forward exchange contracts, interest rate floors, and
    interest rate and commodity swaps. NYLIAC does not engage in derivative
financial instrument transactions for the purpose of trading.
 
  Notional or contractual amounts of derivative financial instruments provide
only a measure of involvement in these types of transactions and they do not
represent the amounts exchanged between the parties engaged in the transaction.
The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amounts and
other terms of the derivative financial instruments which relate to interest
rates, exchange rates, or other financial indices.
 
Interest Rate Risk Management
 
  NYLIAC enters into various types of interest rate contracts primarily to
minimize exposure of specific assets held by NYLIAC to fluctuations in interest
rates.
 
  The following table summarizes the notional amounts and credit exposures of
interest rate related derivative transactions (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1996                      1995
                                                                     ---------------------     ---------------------
                                                                     NOTIONAL      CREDIT      NOTIONAL      CREDIT
                                                                      AMOUNT      EXPOSURE      AMOUNT      EXPOSURE
<S>                                                                  <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                                                     ---------------------------------------------
Interest Rate Swaps...............................................   $57,000        $992       $50,000          --
Floors............................................................   $150,000       $120       $150,000         --
</TABLE>
 
  Interest rate swaps are agreements with other parties to exchange, at
specified intervals, the difference between fixed-rate and floating-rate
interest amounts calculated by reference to an agreed upon notional amount. Swap
contracts outstanding at December 31, 1996 are between eight years, eight months
and fourteen years, four months in maturity. At December 31, 1995 such contracts
were between ten months and eight years, seven months in maturity. NYLIAC does
not act as an intermediary or broker in interest rate swaps.
 
                                      F-36
<PAGE>   92
 
   
Interest Rate Risk Management (Continued)
    
  The following table shows the type of swaps used by NYLIAC and the weighted
average interest rates. Average variable rates are based on the rates which
determine the last payment received or paid on each contract; those rates may
change significantly, affecting future cash flows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                1996          1995
<S>                                                                                            <C>           <C>
                                                                                               -------------------
Receive -- fixed swaps -- Notional amount (in thousands)....................................   $57,000       $15,000
  Average receive rate......................................................................     7.19%         7.93%
  Average pay rate..........................................................................     5.92%         7.39%
Pay -- fixed swaps -- Notional amount (in thousands)........................................        --       $35,000
  Average pay rate..........................................................................        --         7.46%
  Average receive rate......................................................................        --         6.02%
</TABLE>
 
  During the term of the swap, net settlement amounts are recorded as investment
income or expense when earned. Fair values of interest rate swaps were $569,000
and ($2,000,000) at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, based on quoted
market prices.
 
  Interest rate floor agreements entitle NYLIAC to receive amounts from
counterparties based upon the difference between a strike price and current
interest rates. Such agreements serve as hedges against declining interest rates
on a portfolio of assets. Amounts received during the term of interest rate
floor agreements are recorded as investment income.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, unamortized premiums on interest rate floors
amounted to $522,000 and $597,000, respectively. Fair values of such agreements
were $120,000 and $395,000 at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, based on
quoted market prices.
 
  NYLIAC is exposed to credit-related losses in the event that a counterparty
fails to perform its obligations under contractual terms. The credit exposure of
derivative financial instruments is represented by the sum of fair values of
contracts with each counterparty, if the net value is positive, at the reporting
date.
 
  NYLIAC deals with highly rated counterparties and does not expect the
counterparties to fail to meet their obligations. NYLIAC has controls in place
to monitor credit exposures by limiting transactions with specific
counterparties within specified dollar limits and assessing the future
creditworthiness of counterparties. NYLIAC uses master netting agreements and
adjusts transaction levels, when appropriate, to minimize risk.
 
Foreign Exchange Risk Management
 
  NYLIAC enters into foreign currency forward exchange contracts and foreign
currency swaps primarily as a portfolio hedge against foreign currency
fluctuations. The purpose of NYLIAC's foreign currency hedging activities is to
protect it from the risk that the value of foreign currency denominated
investments will be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates.
 
  NYLIAC's foreign currency forward exchange contracts involve the exchange of
two currencies at a specified future date and at a specified price. The average
term of the contracts is three to six months.
 
  The table below summarizes, by major currency, the contractual amounts of
NYLIAC's foreign currency forward exchange contracts. The amounts represent the
U.S. dollar equivalent of commitments to buy and sell foreign currencies,
translated at December 31, 1996 and 1995 exchange rates (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        1996                1995
                                                                                 ------------------   -----------------
                                                                                  BUY        SELL     BUY        SELL
<S>                                                                              <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>
                                                                                 ---------------------------------
Japanese Yen..................................................................   $   --     $14,000   $ --     $ 49,000
Italian Lire..................................................................       --       9,000     --       21,000
French Francs.................................................................       --       8,000     --       24,000
Other.........................................................................    4,000      43,000     --      107,000
                                                                                 ------     -------    ---     --------
                                                                                 $4,000     $74,000   $ --     $201,000
                                                                                 ======     =======    ===     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-37
<PAGE>   93
 
   
Foreign Exchange Risk Management (Continued)
    
 
  The fair values of foreign currency forward exchange contracts at December 31,
1996 and 1995 were $1 million and $(3) million, respectively, based on current
market rates.
 
  NYLIAC is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by
counterparties, which could result in an unhedged position. NYLIAC deals with
highly rated counterparties and does not expect the counterparties to fail to
meet their obligations under the contracts. For contracts with counterparties
where no master netting arrangement exists, in the event of default on the part
of the counterparty, credit exposure is defined as the fair value of contracts
in a gain position at the reporting date. Credit exposure to counterparties,
where a master netting arrangement is in place in the event of default is
defined as the net fair value, if positive, of all outstanding contracts with
each specific counterparty. The credit exposure of NYLIAC's foreign currency
forward exchange contracts at December 31, 1996 and 1995 was $1,000,000 and
$137,000, respectively.
 
NOTE 11--Commitments and Contingencies
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Litigation
 
I
   n 1995, NYLIAC and New York Life settled a class action related to the sale
   of whole life and universal life insurance policies from 1982 through 1994.
   In entering into the settlement, NYLIAC specifically denied any wrongdoing.
   The settlement was approved by the judge, and has now been upheld on appeal,
including a recent refusal by the New York State Court of Appeals to permit a
discretionary appeal from the Appellate Division. The lone appellant has
recently filed two motions in the trial court seeking to enjoin implementation
of the settlement and to renew his objections to the settlement. The lone
appellant may file a writ of certiorari in the United States Supreme Court
during the prescribed statutory period.
 
  There are also actions in various jurisdictions by individual policyowners who
excluded themselves from the settlement of the nationwide class action; and in
each of two jurisdictions a purported class action claiming to include numerous
policyowners who excluded themselves from the settlement of the nationwide class
action. Most of these actions seek substantial or unspecified compensatory and
punitive damages.
 
  NYLIAC is also a defendant in other individual and alleged class actions
arising from its insurance, investment and/or other operations, including
actions involving retail sales practices. Most of these actions also seek
substantial or unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. NYLIAC is also
from time to time involved as a party in various governmental, administrative,
and investigative proceedings and inquiries.
 
  Given the uncertain nature of litigation and regulatory inquiries, the outcome
of the above cannot be predicted. NYLIAC nevertheless believes that the ultimate
liability that could result from such litigation and proceedings would not have
a material adverse effect on NYLIAC's financial position; however, it is
possible that settlements or adverse determinations in one or more actions or
other proceedings in the future could have a material adverse effect on NYLIAC's
operating results for a given year.
 
Loaned Securities and Repurchase Agreements
 
  NYLIAC participates in a secured lending program for the purpose of enhancing
income on securities held. At December 31, 1996, $826 million ($1,222 million at
December 31, 1995) of NYLIAC's bonds were on loan to others, but were fully
collateralized in an account held in trust for NYLIAC. Such assets reflect the
extent of NYLIAC's involvement in securities lending, not its risk of loss.
 
  NYLIAC enters into agreements to sell and repurchase securities for the
purpose of enhancing income on securities held. Under these agreements, NYLIAC
obtains the use of funds from a broker for approximately one month. The
liability reported in the balance sheet at December 31, 1996 of $50 million ($86
million at December 31, 1995) is considered to be fair value. The investments
acquired with the funds received from the securities sold are primarily included
in cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet.
 
NOTE 12--Related Party Transactions
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
N
    o dividends were declared or paid to New York Life in 1996 or 1995. In 1994,
    NYLIAC declared and paid a dividend of $70 million to New York Life. This
    dividend was paid from current year earnings, as permitted by the Delaware
Insurance Department.
 
                                      F-38
<PAGE>   94
 
   
NOTE 12--Related Party Transactions (Continued)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  New York Life provides NYLIAC with services and facilities for the sale of
insurance and other activities related to the business of insurance. NYLIAC
reimburses New York Life for the identified costs associated with these services
and facilities under the terms of a Service Agreement between New York Life and
NYLIAC. Such costs, amounting to $191 million for the year ended December 31,
1996 ($166 million for 1995 and $147 million for 1994) are reflected in
operating expenses and net investment income in the accompanying Statement of
Income.
 
NOTE 13--Supplemental Cash Flow Information
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
    s a result of the reinsurance agreement with New York Life discussed in Note
    9, NYLIAC transferred $119 million in fixed maturities to New York Life
    during 1996.
 
  Federal income taxes paid were $146 million, $57 million, and $105 million
during 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
 
  Interest paid was $3 million, $2 million and $2 million during 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively.
 
NOTE 14--Reconciliations Between Statutory Accounting and GAAP
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
A
   
    ccounting practices used to prepare statutory financial statements for
    regulatory filings of life insurance companies differ in certain instances
    from GAAP. The following chart reconciles NYLIAC's statutory capital and
    surplus determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the
Delaware Insurance Department with stockholder's equity on a GAAP basis, and the
cumulative effect of adopting GAAP as of January 1, 1994 (in millions):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        CUMULATIVE
                                                                             YEAR ENDED                   EFFECT
                                                                            DECEMBER 31,             OF ADOPTING GAAP
                                                                    ----------------------------     ----------------
                                                                     1996       1995       1994      JANUARY 1, 1994
<S>                                                                 <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
                                                                    ----------------------------------------------
Statutory Capital and Surplus....................................   $  998     $  878     $  845          $  780
                                                                    ------     ------     ------          ------
Adjustments:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs..............................      691        511        862             694
  Asset valuation reserve........................................      164        137        105              79
  Investment related.............................................      151        511       (490)             (7)
  Interest maintenance reserve...................................       35         26         20              55
  Non-admitted assets............................................       31         26         23              17
  Policyholder liabilities.......................................     (262)      (187)      (203)           (184)
  Deferred income taxes..........................................      (47)      (156)        59             (55)
  Employee benefit liabilities...................................      (63)       (61)       (61)            (60)
  Other..........................................................      (12)        (9)       (19)             (7)
                                                                    ------     ------     ------          ------
    Total adjustments............................................      688        798        296             532
                                                                    ------     ------     ------          ------
Total GAAP Stockholder's Equity..................................   $1,686     $1,676     $1,141          $1,312
                                                                    ======     ======     ======          ======
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      F-39
<PAGE>   95
 
   
NOTE 14--Reconciliations Between Statutory Accounting and GAAP (Continued)
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
  The following chart reconciles NYLIAC's statutory net income determined in
accordance with accounting practices prescribed by the Delaware Insurance
Department with net income on a GAAP basis (in millions):
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER
                                                                                                      31,
                                                                                             ----------------------
                                                                                             1996     1995     1994
<S>                                                                                          <C>      <C>      <C>
                                                                                             ---------------------
Statutory Net Income......................................................................   $148     $95      $166
                                                                                             ----     ----     ---
Adjustments:
  Deferred policy acquisition costs.......................................................    44       40      (28) 
  Deferred income taxes...................................................................    24        8       10
  Interest maintenance reserve............................................................     9        6      (35) 
  Investment related......................................................................     1      (11)      --
  Policyholder liabilities................................................................   (54)      (4)     (14) 
  Other...................................................................................    (3)     (14)      (3) 
                                                                                             ----     ----     ---
        Total Adjustments.................................................................    21       25      (70) 
                                                                                             ----     ----     ---
GAAP Net Income...........................................................................   $169     $120     $96
                                                                                             ====     ====     ===
</TABLE>
    
 
   
  Financial statements prepared on the statutory basis of accounting vary from
those prepared under GAAP, primarily as follows: (1) the costs related to
acquiring business, principally commissions and certain policy issue expenses
are charged to income in the year incurred, whereas under GAAP they would be
deferred and amortized over the periods benefitted; (2) funds received under
deposit-type contracts are reported as premium income, whereas under GAAP, such
funds are recorded as a liability; (3) life insurance reserves are based on
different assumptions than they are under GAAP; (4) life insurance companies are
required to establish an Asset Valuation Reserve ("AVR") by a direct charge to
surplus to offset potential investment losses, whereas, under GAAP, the AVR is
not recognized and any allowances for losses on investments would be deducted
from the assets to which they relate and would be charged to income; (5)
investments in fixed maturities are generally carried at amortized cost or
values prescribed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
("NAIC"); under GAAP, investments in fixed maturities, which are available for
sale or held for trading, are generally carried at market value, with changes in
market value charged against equity or reflected in earnings; (6) realized gains
and losses resulting from changes in interest rates on fixed income investments
are deferred in the interest maintenance reserve ("IMR") and amortized into
investment income over the remaining life of the investment sold, whereas under
GAAP, the gains and losses are recognized in income at the time of sale; and (7)
deferred Federal income taxes are not provided for as they are under GAAP.
    
 
  The New York State Insurance Department recognizes only statutory accounting
practices for determining and reporting the financial condition and results of
operations of an insurance company, and for determining its solvency under the
New York Insurance Law. No consideration is given by the Department to financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in making such determinations.
 
  At December 31, 1996 and 1995, admitted assets on a statutory basis were
$17,099 million and $15,977 million, respectively, and total liabilities were
$16,101 million and $15,099 million, respectively, which included policy
reserves of $13,099 million and $12,821 million, respectively.
 
                                      F-40
<PAGE>   96
 
   
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
    
 
   
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
    
   
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
    
I
   
   n our opinion, the accompanying balance sheets and the related statements of
   income, of changes in stockholder's equity and of cash flows present fairly,
   in all material respects, the financial position of New York Life Insurance
   and Annuity Corporation at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards which 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,
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed
above.
    
 
  As discussed in Note 2, the Company changed its accounting policies to adopt
pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board in 1996.
 
   
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
April 16, 1997
    
 
                                      F-41
<PAGE>   97
                            PART C. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS

a.       Financial Statements.

         All required financial statements are included in Part B of this
         Registration Statement.

b.       Exhibits.

   
(1)      Resolution of the Board of Directors of NYLIAC authorizing
         establishment of the Separate Account previously filed as Exhibit b.(1)
         to the initial Registration Statement and filed herewith in accordance
         with Regulation S-T, 17 CFR 232.102(e).
    

(2)      Not applicable.

   
(3)(a)   Distribution Agreement between NYLIFE Securities Inc. and NYLIAC -
         previously filed as Exhibit 1.(3)(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1
         to the registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC MFA Separate
         Account-I (File No. 2-86084) and re-filed in accordance with Regulation
         S-T, 17 CFR 232.102(e) as Exhibit (3)(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
         No. 4 to the registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Variable
         Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 33-64410).
    

   
   (b)   Distribution Agreement between NYLIFE Distributors Inc. and NYLIAC -
         previously filed as Exhibit (3)(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.1 to
         the Registration Statement on Form N-4.
    

   
(4)      Specimen Policy - previously filed as Exhibit b.(4) to the initial
         registration statement on Form N-4 for NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate
         Account-I (File No. 33-53342) and filed herewith in accordance with
         Regulation S-T, 17 CFR 232.102(e).
    
   
(5)      Form of application for a Policy - previously filed as Exhibit b.(5) to
         the initial registration statement on Form N-4 for NYLIAC Variable
         Annuity Separate Account-I (File No. 33-53342) and filed herewith in
         accordance with Regulation S-T, 17 CFR 232.102(e).
    
   
(6)(a)   Certificate of Incorporation of NYLIAC - previously filed as Exhibit
         1.A.(6)(a) to the registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC MFA
         Separate Account-I (File No. 2-86083) and re-filed in accordance with
         Regulation S-T, 17 CFR 232.102(e) as Exhibit 1.(6)(a) to the initial
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    

   
   (b)   By-Laws of NYLIAC - previously filed as Exhibit 1.A.(6)(b) to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC MFA Separate Account-I
         (File No. 2-86083) and re-filed in accordance with Regulation S-T, 17
         CFR 232.102(e) as Exhibit 1.(6)(b) to the initial registration
         statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored Variable Universal
         Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    
   
(7)      Contract of Reinsurance between Connecticut General Life Insurance
         Company/Cigna Reinsurance and NYLIAC - previously filed as Exhibit (7)
         to Post-Effective Amendment No.1 of the Registration Statement on form
         N-4.
    
   
(8)(a)   Stock Sale Agreement between NYLIAC and MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.
         (formerly New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc.) - previously filed as
         Exhibit 8(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration
         statement on Form N-1 for New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc. (File No.
         2-86082) and re-filed in accordance with Regulation S-T, 17 CFR
         232.102(e) as Exhibit 1.(9)(a) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account- I (File No. 333-07617).
    
<PAGE>   98
   
(b)      Participation Agreement among Acacia Capital Corporation, Calvert Asset
         Management Company, Inc. and NYLIAC, as amended - previously filed as
         Exhibit 1.(9)(b)(1) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    
   

    (c)  Participation Agreement among The Alger American Fund, Fred Alger and
         Company, Incorporated and NYLIAC -previously filed as Exhibit
         1.(9)(b)(2) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration
         statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored Variable Universal
         Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    
   

    (d)  Participation Agreement between Janus Aspen Series and NYLIAC -
         previously filed as Exhibit 1.(9)(b)(3) to Pre-Effective Amendment No.
         1 to the registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate
         Sponsored Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No.
         333-07617).
    
   

    (e)  Participation Agreement among Morgan Stanley Universal Funds, Inc.,
         Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc. and NYLIAC - previously filed as
         Exhibit 1.(9)(b)(4) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    
   

    (f)  Participation Agreement among Variable Insurance Products Fund,
         Fidelity Distributors Corporation and NYLIAC - previously filed as
         Exhibit 1.(9)(b)(5) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333- 07617).
    
   

    (g)  Participation Agreement among Variable Insurance Products Fund II,
         Fidelity Distributors Corporation and NYLIAC - previously filed as
         Exhibit 1.(9)(b)(6) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the
         registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored
         Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No. 333- 07617).
    

(9)      Opinion and Consent of Robert J. Hebron, Esq. - filed herewith.

(10)(a)  Consent of Price Waterhouse, LLP - filed herewith.

   
(b)      Powers of Attorney for the Directors and Officers of NYLIAC -
         previously filed as Exhibit 1.(9)(c) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2
         to the registration statement on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate
         Sponsored Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I (File No.
         333-07617) for the following:
    
         Jay S. Calhoun, Vice President, Treasurer and Director (Principal 
         Financial Officer)
   
    
   
         Richard M. Kernan, Jr., Director
    
   
    
   
         Robert D. Rock, Senior Vice President and Director
    
   
         Frederick J. Sievert, Executive Vice President and Director
    
         Stephen N. Steinig, Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary and Director
   
         Seymour Sternberg, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
    

   
    (c)  Power of Attorney for Maryann L. Ingenito, Vice President and
         Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) - previously filed as Exhibit
         1.(9)(d) to Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement
         on Form S-6 for NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored Variable Universal Life
         Separate Account-I (File No. 333-07617).
    

   
(11)     Not applicable.
    

   
(12)     Not applicable.
    

   
(13)     Not applicable.
    

(14)     Financial Data Schedule - filed herewith.


                                      C-2
<PAGE>   99
ITEM 25.  DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE DEPOSITOR.

   
         The business address of each director and officer of NYLIAC is 51
Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010.
    

   
    

         Directors:
         ----------
             Jay S. Calhoun          Vice President and Treasurer
             Richard M. Kernan, Jr.
   
             Robert D. Rock          Senior Vice President
    
   
             Frederick J. Sievert    Executive Vice President
    
             Stephen N. Steinig      Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary

             Seymour Sternberg       President

   
         Officers:
         ---------
            Seymour Sternberg        President
   
            Frederick J. Sievert     Executive Vice President

            Michael Callahan         Senior Vice President
            Marc J. Chalfin          Senior Vice President
            Michael Gallo            Senior Vice President
            Solomon Goldfinger       Senior Vice President
            Phillip J. Hildebrand    Senior Vice President
            Jean E. Hoysradt         Senior Vice President
            Robert Hynes             Senior Vice President
            Gerald Kaplan            Senior Vice President and Tax Counsel
            Paul Morris              Senior Vice President
            Frank J. Ollari          Senior Vice President
            Robert D. Rock           Senior Vice President
            Stephen N. Steinig       Senior Vice President and Chief Actuary
   
            Thomas J. Warga          Vice President and General Auditor
    
   
            Jay S. Calhoun           Vice President and Treasurer
    
            Ralph P. Casale          Vice President
            William Y. Cheng         Vice President
   
            Patrick Colloton         Vice President
    
            Henry Ciapas             Vice President
            John A. Cullen           Vice President and Assistant Controller
   
    
            Melvin J. Feinberg       Vice President
            Jane L. Hamrick          Vice President and Actuary
            Celia M. Holtzberg       Vice President
            Maryann L. Ingenito      Vice President and Controller
            Himi L. Kittner          Vice President
            David J. Krystel         Vice President
            Thomas S. McArdle        Vice President
            Daniel J. McKillop       Vice President
            John R. Meyer            Vice President
            Michael M. Oleske        Vice President and Associate Tax Counsel
   
            Lawrence R. Stoehr       Vice President
    
            Richard W. Zuccaro       Vice President and Assistant Controller
            George J. Trapp          Secretary


                                      C-3
<PAGE>   100
ITEM 26. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH DEPOSITOR OR
         REGISTRANT

   
         The Depositor, NYLIAC, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of New York Life
Insurance Company ("New York Life"). The Registrant is a segregated asset
account of NYLIAC. The following chart indicates persons presumed to be
controlled by New York Life(+), unless otherwise indicated. Subsidiaries of 
other subsidiaries are indented accordingly, and ownership is 100% unless 
otherwise indicated.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  Jurisdiction of   Percent of Voting
Name                                                              Organization      Securities Owned
- ----                                                              ------------      ----------------
<S>                                                               <C>               <C>                                
Aegis Technologies, Inc.(1)                                       Delaware

MainStay Institutional Funds Inc.(2) (formerly New York Life      Maryland
      Institutional Funds, Inc.)[open end investment company]

MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.(3)                                  Maryland

New York Life Fund, Inc.(3)                                       New York

New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation                   Delaware               100%

New York Life Irrevocable Trust of 1996(4)                        New York               N/A

NYLIFE Inc.                                                       New York               100%
     Eagle Strategies Corp.
     Greystone Realty Corporation                                 Delaware
         Greystone Realty Management, Inc.                        Delaware
     MacKay-Shields Financial Corporation                         Delaware
     MainStay Shareholder Services Inc.                           Delaware
     MSC Holding, Inc. (formerly Magnus Software                  Georgia
         Corporation)(85.43%)
     Monitor Capital Advisors, Inc.                               Delaware
     New York Life Benefit Services, Inc.                         Massachussetts
         ADQ Insurance Agency, Inc.                               Massachussetts
     New York Life Capital Corporation                            Delaware
     New York Life International Investment Inc.                  Delaware
         Monetary Research Ltd.                                   Bermuda
         NYL Management Limited (formerly Quorum Capital          United Kingdom
              Management Limited)
     New York Life Worldwide Holding, Inc.                        Delaware
</TABLE>
    

- ----------
   
(+)      By including the indicated corporations in this list, New York Life is
         not stating or admitting that said corporations are under its actual
         control; rather, these corporations are listed here to ensure full
         compliance with the requirements of this Form N-4.
    



- ----------
         (1) A Certificate of Dissolution was filed for this Company on April 9,
1996. Pursuant to Delaware law, the Company's existence is "continued" for a
period of three years following dissolution for purposes of winding up.
Therefore, this Company is included here for informational purposes only.

         (2) This entity is an unaffiliated registered investment company as to
which New York Life and/or its subsidiaries perform investment management,
administrative, distribution and underwriting services. It is not a subsidiary
of New York Life but is included here for informational purposes only.

         (3) New York Life serves as investment adviser to these entities, the
shares of which are held of record by separate accounts of New York Life (in the
case of New York Life Fund, Inc.) and New York Life Insurance and Annuity
Corporation ("NYLIAC") (for MainStay VP Series Fund, Inc.). New York Life
disclaims any beneficial ownership and control of these entities. New York Life
and NYLIAC as depositor of said separate accounts have agreed to vote their
shares as to matters covered in the proxy statements in accordance with voting
instructions received from holders of variable annuity and variable life
insurance policies at the shareholders meeting of these entities. They are not
subsidiaries of New York Life but are included here for informational purposes
only.

         (4) An unaffiliated trust formed solely for the purpose of holding
shares of New York Life Settlement Corporation. It is not a subsidiary of New
York Life but is included here for informational purposes only.


                                       C-4
<PAGE>   101
[NYLIFE Inc. entry continued]

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
         New York Life Worldwide Capital, Inc.                                  Delaware
         New York Life Worldwide Development, Inc.                              Delaware
         New York Life Worldwide (Bermuda) Ltd.                                 Bermuda
         New York Life Insurance Worldwide Ltd.                                 Bermuda
         New York Life (U.K.) Limited(5) (99.97%)                               United Kingdom
              Life Assurance Holding Corporation Limited (31.25%)               United Kingdom
                  Windsor Life Assurance Company Limited                        United Kingdom
                      Gresham Life Assurance Society Limited                    United Kingdom
              Windsor Construction Company Limited                              United Kingdom
              Japan Gamma Asset Management Limited(6) (33.345%)                 Japan
         KOHAP New York Life Insurance Ltd. (51%)                               South Korea
         P.T. Asuransi Jiwa Sewu-New York Life (50.2%)                          Indonesia
         GEO New York Life, S.A. (49%)                                          Mexico
     NYL Trust Company                                                          New York
     NYLCO, Inc.                                                                New York
     NYLICO Inc. (formerly New York Life Capital Corp.)                         New York
     NYLIFE Administration Corp. (doing business as NYLACOR)                    Texas
     NYLIFE Depositary Corporation                                              Delaware
         NYLIFE Structured Asset Management Company                             Texas
                   Ltd. (16.67%; NYLIFE SFD Holding Inc. owns the
                   remaining 83.33%)
     NYLIFE Distributors Inc.                                                   Delaware
     NYLIFE Equity Inc.                                                         Delaware
     NYLIFE Funding Inc.                                                        Delaware
     NYLIFE HealthCare Management, Inc.                                         Delaware
         Express Scripts, Inc. (46.3% of total combined stock and               Delaware
                  89.6% of the voting rights)
              Great Plains Reinsurance Company                                  Arizona
              Practice Patterns Science, Inc.                                   Delaware
              ESI Canada Holdings, Inc.                                         Canada
                  ESI Canada, Inc.                                              Canada
              Express Scripts Vision Corporation                                Delaware
              IVTx of Houston, Inc.                                             Texas
              IVTx of Dallas, Inc.                                              Texas
              PhyNet, Inc.                                                      Delaware
         NYLCare Health Plans, Inc. (formerly Sanus Corp. Health                Delaware
                  Systems)
              New York Life and Health Insurance Company                        Delaware
              Avanti Corporate Health Systems, Inc.                             Delaware
              Avanti Health Systems, Inc.                                       Texas
                  Avanti of the District, Inc.                                  Maryland
                  Avanti of Illinois, Inc.                                      Illinois
                  Avanti of New York, Inc.                                      New York
                  Avanti of New Jersey, Inc.                                    New Jersey
              NYLCare Health Plans of the Mid-Atlantic, Inc.                    Maryland
                  (formerly HealthPlus, Inc.) (80%; Physicians
                  Health Services Foundation, Inc. owns 20%)
                  Physicians Health Services Foundation, Inc.                   Maryland
</TABLE>
    

- ----------
         (5) One share was given to a Nominee as required by British law.
   
         (6) Based on the percentage of ownership as well as the lack of
"control" by New York Life, this entity is not considered a subsidiary of New
York Life but is included here for informational purposes only.


                                      C-5
<PAGE>   102
[NYLIFE Inc. entry continued]

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
              Lonestar Holding Co.                                              Delaware
                  Lone Star Health Plan, Inc. (90%; NYLCare                     Texas
                           Health Plans, Inc. owns 10%)
                      NYLCare Health Plans of the Gulf Coast, Inc.              Texas
                            (formerly Sanus Health Plan, Inc.)
              Prime Provider Corp.                                              New York
                  Prime Provider Corp. of Texas                                 Texas
              NYLCare of Connecticut, Inc. (formerly Sanus of                   Connecticut
                  Connecticut, Inc.)
              Sanus Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc.                             New Jersey
              NYLCare Dental Plans of the Southwest, Inc.                       Texas
                   (formerly Sanus Dental Plan of Texas, Inc.)
              NYLCare Health Plans of New York, Inc. (formerly                  New York
                  Sanus Health Plan of Greater New York, Inc.)
              NYLCare Health Plans of Connecticut, Inc.                         Connecticut
                  (formerly Sanus Health Plan of Connecticut, Inc.)
              NYLCare Health Plans of the Midwest, Inc.                         Illinois
                  (formerly Sanus Health Plan of Illinois, Inc.)
              NYLCare Health Plans of New Jersey, Inc.                          New Jersey
                  (formerly Sanus Health Plan of New Jersey, Inc.)
              NYLCare of Texas, Inc. (formerly Sanus of Texas, Inc.)            Texas
                  NYLCare Passport PPO of the Southwest, Inc.                   Texas
                      (formerly Sanus Preferred Physicians, Inc.)
              NYLCare Preferred Services, Inc. (formerly Sanus                  Maryland
                  Preferred Services, Inc.)
              Sanus Preferred Providers West, Inc.                              California
              Sanus Preferred Services of Illinois, Inc.                        Illinois
              NYLCare Health Plans of the Southwest, Inc.                       Texas
                  (formerly Sanus Texas Health Plan, Inc.)
              WellPath of Arizona Reinsurance Company                           Arizona
                  (formerly Sanus Reinsurance Company)
              NYLCare Health Plans of Louisiana, Inc.                           Louisiana
                  (formerly Sanus Louisiana Health Plan, Inc.)
                  (99.8%; Patrick D. Seiter and E. L. Henry each
                  own .1% of the remaining stocks)
              NYLCare of New England, Inc. (formerly Sanus of                   Delaware
                  Maine, Inc.)
              Sanus - Northeast, Inc.                                           Delaware
              NYLCare HealthPlans of Maine, Inc.                                Maine
              NYLCare NC Holdings, Inc.                                         Delaware
                  WellPath Community Health Plans, L.L.C. (50%;                 North Carolina
                           Duke Medical Strategies, Inc. owns
                           remaining 50%)
                      WPCHP Holdings, Inc. (formerly                            Delaware
                            Sanus-New England, Inc.)
                      WellPath Preferred Services, L.L.C. (99%;                 North Carolina
                            WPCHP Holdings, Inc. owns other 1%)
                      WellPath Select Holdings, L.L.C. (99%;                    North Carolina
                           WPCHP Holdings, Inc. owns other 1%)
              WellPath of Carolina, Inc. (formerly Sanus of North               Delaware
                   Carolina, Inc.)
              WellPath Select, Inc. (formerly WellPath Community                North Carolina
                  Health Plans, Inc.)
              Sanus of New York and New Jersey, Inc.                            New York
              NYLCare Health Plans of Pennsylvania, Inc. (formerly              Pennsylvania
</TABLE>
    


                                      C-6
<PAGE>   103
[NYLIFE Inc. entry continued]

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>                       <C>
                  Sanus Health Plans of Pennsylvania, Inc.)
              Docservco, Inc.                                                   New York
              The ETHIX Corporation                                             Delaware
                  ETHIX Great Lakes, Inc.                                       Michigan
                  ETHIX Mid-Atlantic, Inc.                                      Pennsylvania
                      PriMed, Inc.                                              New Jersey
                  ETHIX Midlands, Inc.                                          Delaware
                  ETHIX Mid-Rivers, Inc.                                        Missouri
                  ETHIX Northwest Public Services, Inc.                         Washington
                  ETHIX Northwest, Inc.                                         Washington
                      NYLCare Health Plans Northwest, Inc.                      Washington
                           (formerly NYLCare Plus, Inc.)
                  ETHIX Pacific, Inc.                                           Oregon
                  ETHIX Risk Management, Inc.                                   Oregon
                  ETHIX Southeast, Inc.                                         North Carolina
                  ETHIX Southwest, Inc.                                         Texas
              Benefit Panel Services, Inc. (33 1/3% owned by                    California
                      MassMutual Holding Company Two
                      MSC, Inc. and 33 1/3% owned by Anthem
                      Companies, Inc.)
                  VivaHealth, Incorporated                                      California
              One Liberty Plaza Holdings, Inc.                                  Delaware
     NYLIFE Realty Inc.                                                         Delaware
         CNP Realty Investments, Inc.                                           Delaware
     NYLIFE Refinery Inc.                                                       Delaware
     NYLIFE Resources Inc.                                                      Delaware
     NYLIFE Securities Inc.                                                     New York
     NYLIFE SFD Holding Inc. (formerly NAFCO Inc.)                              Delaware
         NYLIFE Structured Asset Management Company, Ltd.                       Texas
              (83.33%; NYLIFE Depositary Corp. owns the
                   remaining 16.67%)
     NYLINK Insurance Agency Incorporated                                       Delaware
          NYLINK Insurance Agency of Alabama, Incorporated                      Alabama
          NYLINK Insurance Agency of New Mexico, Incorporated                   New Mexico
     NYLTEMPS Inc.                                                              Delaware

NYLIFE Insurance Company of Arizona                                             Arizona                   100%

The MainStay Funds(7) (formerly MacKay-Shields MainStay Series                  Massachussetts
      Fund)[open end investment company]
</TABLE>
    


- ----------
         (7) This entity is an unaffiliated registered investment company for
which New York Life subsidiaries perform investment management, administrative,
distribution and underwriting services. It is not a subsidiary of New York Life
but is included here for informational purposes only.


                                      C-7
<PAGE>   104
ITEM 27. NUMBER OF CONTRACTOWNERS

   
         As of January 31, 1997, there were approximately 18,971 owners of
Policies offered under NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate Account-III.
    

ITEM 28. INDEMNIFICATION

         Reference is made to Article VIII of the Depositor's By-Laws.

         New York Life maintains Directors and Officers Liability/Company
Reimbursement ("D&O") insurance which covers directors, officers and trustees of
New York Life, its subsidiaries, and its subsidiaries and certain affiliates
including the Depositor while acting in their capacity as such. The total annual
aggregate of D&O coverage is $100 million applicable to all insureds under the
D&O policies. There is no assurance that such coverage will be maintained by New
York Life or for the Depositor in the future as, in the past, there have been
large variances in the availability of D&O insurance for financial institutions.

         Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the Depositor pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Depositor
has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Depositor of expenses incurred
or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Depositor in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Depositor will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public
policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of
such issue.


ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS

     (a) Investment companies (other than the Registrant) for which NYLIFE
         Distributors Inc. is currently acting as underwriter:
           NYLIAC Corporate Sponsored Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I
           NYLIAC MFA Separate Account-I
           NYLIAC MFA Separate Account-II 
           NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate Account-I 
           NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate Account-II 
           NYLIAC Variable Universal Life Separate Account-I 
           NYLIAC Variable Universal Life Separate Account-II 
           NYLIAC VLI Separate Account

     (b) Directors and Officers. 

   
The business address of each director and officer of NYLIFE Distributors Inc. is
300 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, New Jersey, 07054.
    
   

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
         Names of Directors and Officers  Positions and Offices with Underwriter
         -------------------------------  --------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>
         Frank M. Boccio                  Director
         Jefferson C. Boyce               Director, President and Chief Executive Officer
         Robert E. Brady                  Director and Vice President
         Michael G. Gallo                 Director
         Phillip J. Hildebrand            Director
         Alice T. Kane                    Director
         Robert D. Rock                   Director
         Walter W. Ubl                    Director and Senior Vice President
         Thomas J. Warga                  Senior Vice President and General Auditor
         Richard W. Zuccaro               Tax Vice President
         Robert E. Brady                  Vice President
         Jay S. Calhoun                   Vice President and Treasurer
         David J. Krystel                 Vice President
</TABLE>
    


                                      C-8
<PAGE>   105
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                        <C>
         Linda M. Livornese                                Vice President
         John H. O'Byrne                                   Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer
         Frank Mistero                                     Vice President
         Anthony W. Polis                                  Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
         Louis H. Adasse                                   Corporate Vice President
         Paul C. Miller                                    Corporate Vice President
         Thomas J. Murray                                  Corporate Vice President
         Phyllis Zwarick                                   Corporate Vice President
         Arphielia Arizmendi                               Assistant Vice President
         Antoinette B. Cirillo                             Assistant Vice President
         George R. Daoust                                  Assistant Vice President
         Geraldine Lorito                                  Assistant Vice President
         Nancy Brenner                                     Secretary
         Mark A. Gomez                                     Assistant Secretary
</TABLE>
    


(c) Commissions and Other Compensation

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Name of              New Underwriting         Compensation on
        Principal              Discounts and           Redemption or             Brokerage
       Underwriter              Commissions            Annuitization            Commission             Compensation
       -----------              -----------            -------------            ----------             ------------
<S>                          <C>                      <C>                       <C>                    <C>

NYLIFE
Distributors Inc.                   -0-                     -0-                     -0-                     -0-
</TABLE>


ITEM 30.       LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS

   
    All accounts and records required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
1940 Act and the rules under it are maintained by NYLIAC at its home office, 51
Madison Avenue, Room 0150, New York, New York 10010; New York Life - Records
Division, 110 Cokesbury Road, Lebanon, New Jersey 08833 and with Iron Mountain
Records Management, Inc. at both 8 Neptune Drive, Poughkeepsie, New York 12601
and Route 9W South, Port Ewen, New York 12466-0477.
    

ITEM 31.       MANAGEMENT SERVICES - Not applicable.

   
ITEM 32.       UNDERTAKINGS - Not applicable.
    


   
      REPRESENTATION AS TO THE REASONABLENESS OF AGGREGATE FEES AND CHARGES
    

   
         New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation ("NYLIAC"), the
sponsoring insurance company of the NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate
Account-III, hereby represents that the fees and charges deducted under the
Individual Flexible Premium Variable Annuity Policies are reasonable in relation
to the services rendered, the expenses expected to be incurred and the risks
assumed by NYLIAC.
    


SECTION 403(b) REPRESENTATIONS

    Registrant represents that it is relying on a no-action letter dated
November 28, 1988, to the American Council of Life Insurance (Ref. No. IP-6-88)
regarding Sections 22(e), 27(c)(1), and 27(d) of the Investment Company Act of
1940, in connection with redeemability restrictions on Section 403(b) Policies,
and that paragraphs numbered (1) through (4) of that letter will be complied
with.



                                       C-9
<PAGE>   106
                                   SIGNATURES

   
         As required by the Securities Act of 1933 and the Investment Company
Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets the requirements of
Securities Act Rule 485(b) for effectiveness of this Amendment to the
Registration Statement and has caused this Amendment to the Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf, in the City and State of New York on this
25th day of April, 1997.
    

   
                                           NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY
                                           SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III
    
   
                                           (Formerly known as NYLIAC LIFESTAGES
                                           ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT)
    
                                                   (Registrant)


                                           By /s/David J. Krystel
                                              -------------------
                                                 David J. Krystel
                                                 Vice President

                                           NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND
                                           ANNUITY CORPORATION
                                                       (Depositor)


                                           By /s/David J. Krystel
                                              -------------------
                                                 David J. Krystel
                                                 Vice President

As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Amendment to the Registration
Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the
date indicated.

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>
  Jay S. Calhoun*                           Vice President, Treasurer and Director (Principal Financial Officer)

  Maryann L. Ingenito*                      Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

  Richard M. Kernan, Jr.*                   Director

  Robert D. Rock*                           Senior Vice President and Director

  Frederick J. Sievert*                     Executive Vice President and Director

  Stephen N. Steinig*                       Senior Vice President, Chief Actuary and Director

  Seymour Sternberg*                        President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
</TABLE>
    



*By /s/David J. Krystel
    -------------------
       David J. Krystel
       Attorney-in-Fact
   
       April 25, 1997
    

                                       S-1
<PAGE>   107


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit
Number                    Description

(1)               Resolution of the Board of Directors of NYLIAC authorizing
                  establishment of the Separate Account

(4)               Specimen Policy

(5)               Form of Application for a Policy

(9)               Opinion and Consent of Robert J. Hebron, Esq.

(10)(a)           Consent of Price Waterhouse, LLP

(14)              Financial Data Schedule










































<PAGE>   1


                                    Exhibit 1

Resolution of the Board of Directors of NYLIAC authorizing establishment of the
                                Separate Account







































<PAGE>   2
                 New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation

                                   * * * * * *

                        Consent of the Board of Directors
                 In Lieu of a Meeting of the Board of Directors

                          Dated as of November 30, 1994


Pursuant to Section 141(f) of the General Corporation Law of the State of
Delaware, and the By-Laws of New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
("Corporation"), a Delaware corporation, the undersigned, being all the
Directors of the Corporation, consent that a Special Meeting of the Board of
Directors be dispensed with and the following resolutions be adopted:

                  RESOLVED, that the Corporation establish, in accordance with
         Section 2932 of the Delaware Insurance Code, a separate account to be
         known as "New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation LifeStages
         Annuity Separate Account" ("LifeStages Separate Account"), or such
         other name as the President may determine, for the purpose of investing
         payments received under LifeStages variable annuity contracts (the "VA
         Contracts") issued by the Corporation and under other variable annuity
         contracts issued by the Corporation on a substantially similar basis to
         the VA Contracts; that the assets of LifeStages Separate Account be
         invested in shares of New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc. ("MFA Series
         Fund"), an open-end diversified management investment company of the
         series type, or in lieu thereof or in addition thereto, in the shares
         of any other investment company approved by an officer of the
         Corporation and registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940
         ("Investment Company Act"), at the net asset value of such shares at
         the time of acquisition.

                  RESOLVED, that the officers of the Corporation, or any person
         designated by them, are severally authorized to take all action deemed
         necessary or appropriate to effect the establishment of LifeStages
         Separate Account, to operate and manage it in accordance with the Plan
         of Operations, and to comply with applicable federal and state laws in
         order that the VA Contracts, and any other substantially similar
         variable annuity contracts issued by the Corporation, may be offered
         and sold in all jurisdictions in which the Corporation is authorized to
         conduct a variable annuity business.

                  RESOLVED, that LifeStages Separate Account be organized as a
         unit investment trust, that it be registered, if necessary or
         appropriate, with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission
         ("SEC") under the Investment Company Act, and that the VA Contracts,
         and any other substantially similar variable annuity contract issued by
         the Corporation, be registered for sale under the Securities Act of
         1933; that for such purpose the President, any Vice President, the
         Secretary and any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation are severally
         authorized and empowered to execute and file or cause to be filed with
         the SEC, in the name, and on behalf, of the Corporation and LifeStages
         Separate Account, a Notification of Registration on Form N-8a and a
         Registration Statement on Form N-4 or on any other forms which the
         Rules and Regulations of the SEC may, from time to time, permit, to
         obtain any exemptive relief necessary in connection therewith, and to
         take all other actions which are necessary or advisable in connection
         with the offering of the VA Contracts and any other substantially
         similar variable annuity contracts issued by the Corporation, for sale
         and the operation of LifeStages Separate account, in order to comply
         with the Investment Company Act, the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
         the Securities Act of 1933, and other applicable federal and state
         laws, including the filing of any amendments or supplements to
         registration statements, any undertakings, and any applications for
         exemptions from the Investment Company Act or other applicable federal
         or state laws as the individual or individuals so acting shall deem
         necessary, advisable or appropriate; and that the Secretary of the
         Corporation hereby is appointed as designated agent for service under
         any such registration statements and duly authorized to receive
         communications and notices from the SEC and to respond with respect
         thereto.

                  RESOLVED, that the Corporation has established and maintains
         Standards of Suitability which reflect the policy of the Corporation,
         with respect to determining the suitability of its multi-funded
         annuity products. Such Standards of Suitability apply to the sale of
         the VA Contracts and certain other multi-funded annuity contracts
         issued by the Corporation and are binding upon the
<PAGE>   3
         Corporation and applicable to its officers, directors, employees,
         affiliates and agents, and specify that no recommendation is made to an
         applicant to purchase a VA Contract or other multi-funded annuity
         contract issued by the Corporation, and no such contract is issued in
         the absence of reasonable grounds to believe that the purchase of such
         contract is not unsuitable for such applicant on the basis of
         information furnished after reasonable inquiry of such applicant
         concerning the applicant's insurance and investment objectives,
         financial situation and needs, and any other information known to the
         Corporation or any of its affiliates or to the agent making the
         recommendation.

         /s/George A. W. Bundschuh             /s/Richard M. Kernan, Jr.
         -------------------------             -------------------------
         George A. W. Bundschuh                   Richard M. Kernan, Jr.

         /s/Jay S. Calhoun                     /s/Robert. D. Rock
         -------------------------             -------------------------
         Jay S. Calhoun                           Robert D. Rock

         /s/Lee M. Gammill, Jr.                /s/Frederick J. Sievert
         -------------------------             -------------------------
         Lee M. Gammill, Jr.                     Frederick J. Sievert

         /s/Harry G. Hohn                     /s/Stephen N. Steinig
         -------------------------             -------------------------
         Harry G. Hohn                           Stephen N. Steinig






































<PAGE>   1














                                    Exhibit 4

                                 Specimen Policy






































<PAGE>   2
                 NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
                            (A Delaware Corporation)
                                51 Madison Avenue
                               New York, NY 10010

The Corporation  New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation will pay the
benefits of this policy in accordance with its provisions. The pages which
follow are also a part of this policy.

Annuity Benefit  On the Annuity Commencement Date, the Accumulation Value will
be applied to provide a monthly Income Payment, as stated in the Annuity Benefit
section. Benefits provided by this policy, when based on the investment
experience of the Separate Account, are variable and are not guaranteed as to
amount.

10 DAY RIGHT TO EXAMINE THE POLICY  Please examine your policy. Within 10 days
after delivery, you may return it to the Corporation or to the Registered
representative through whom it was purchased, with a written request for a full
refund of premium. Upon receipt of this request, the policy will be void from
the start, and a full premium refund will be made.

Payment of Premiums  At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date, and
during the lifetime of the Annuitant and policy Owner, premiums may be paid at
any interval or by any method we make available. The initial Premium Payment, as
stated in the Application for this policy, is shown on the Policy Data Page.

Report to Owner  At least once each policy year New York Life Insurance and
Annuity Corporation will provide a report in connection with this policy. The
report will tell the Owner how much Accumulation Value there is as of the end of
the reporting period. It will also give the Owner any other facts required by
state law or regulations.

This policy is executed as of the Issue Date shown on the Policy Data Page.



                                                        /s/Lee M. Gammill, Jr.
                                                        -----------------------
                                                                     President


                                                             /s/George J. Trapp
                                                             -------------------
                                                                     Secretary


Flexible Premium Deferred Variable Annuity

Monthly Income Payments Begin on the Annuity Commencement Date.
Premiums May be Paid During the Annuitant's Lifetime.
Benefits Based on the Performance of the Separate Account are Variable and are
not Guaranteed as to Dollar Amount.
Policy is Non-Participating.









<PAGE>   3
                 New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation
                       51 Madison Avenue - New York 10010
                                   POLICY DATA

<TABLE>
<S>                        <C>      <C>                                <C>                       <C>
ANNUITANT                  --       JOHN DOE                           AGE:  55                  MALE
POLICY NUMBER              --       00 000 000
POLICY DATE                --       JANUARY 1, 1995
OWNER                      --       THE ANNUITANT
</TABLE>


ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES:
CAPITAL APPRECIATION                          BOND
GROWTH EQUITY                                        GOVERNMENT
INDEXED EQUITY                                       CASH MANAGEMENT
TOTAL RETURN                                  FIXED

INITIAL PREMIUM PAYMENT:                             $10,000
INITIAL PREMIUM PAYMENT DATE:                               JANUARY 1, 2025
MINIMUM AMOUNT OF A PREMIUM PAYMENT THAT
CAN BE ALLOCATED TO AN ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVE:       $25

PLANNED ADDITIONAL PREMIUMS
PREMIUM AMOUNT                                $500 - Monthly
MINIMUM ADDITIONAL PREMIUM PAYMENT:           $500
ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE:                    JANUARY 1, 1995

SURRENDER CHARGE SCHEDULE:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PURCHASE YEAR       PERCENTAGE          PURCHASE YEAR       PERCENTAGE  
<S>                 <C>                 <C>                 <C>  

     1                  7%                  5                   5%      
     2                  7%                  6                   4%      
     3                  7%                  7                   0%      
     4                  6%  
</TABLE>
  
FIXED ACCOUNT MINIMUM GUARANTEED INTEREST RATE:                         3%

MINIMUM WITHDRAWAL AMOUNT:                                                 $500

MINIMUM TRANSFER AMOUNT FROM FIXED ACCOUNT:                         $500
MINIMUM TRANSFER AMOUNT FROM INVESTMENT DIVISIONS:                  $500

MINIMUM BALANCE THAT MUST BE MAINTAINED IN AN
ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVE AFTER A TRANSFER IS MADE:                    $500

MAXIMUM CHARGE FOR EACH TRANSFER MADE TO OR FROM AN
ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVE AFTER THE FIRST TWELVE (12) IN A POLICY YEAR:        $30

THE SUM OF ALL TRANSFERS FROM THE FIXED ACCOUNT IN A POLICY YEAR MAY NOT BE
GREATER THAN 20% OF THE ACCUMULATION VALUE IN THE FIXED ACCOUNT, AS OF THE
BEGINNING OF THE POLICY YEAR.

POLICY SERVICE CHARGE: THE LESSER OF $30 OR 2% OF THE ACCUMULATION VALUE WHICH
MAY BE DEDUCTED ON THE POLICY ANNIVERSARY AND ON THE DATE THE POLICY IS
SURRENDERED. HOWEVER, IF THE ACCUMULATION VALUE ON THE POLICY ANNIVERSARY OR ON
THE DATE OF SURRENDER IS $20,000 OR GREATER, THIS FEE IS WAIVED.

DATE OF ISSUE: JANUARY 5, 1995

995-190
<PAGE>   4
                                    WE & YOU

In this policy, the words "we", "our", or "us" refer to New York Life Insurance
and Annuity Corporation, and the words "you" or "your" refer to the Owner of
this policy. When you write to us, please include the policy number, your full
name and your current address.



                                    CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
              SECTION                                             TITLE                         PAGE
              -------                                             -----                         ----
<S>                                 <C>                                                        <C>
                                                            POLICY DATA                         2

                                                            DEFINITIONS                         4, 5

              ONE                                       ANNUITY BENEFIT                         6

              TWO                     INCOME PAYMENT OF POLICY PROCEEDS                         6, 7

              THREE                       ANNUITANT, OWNER, BENEFICIARY                         7, 8

              FOUR                                     PREMIUM PAYMENTS                         9

              FIVE                                   ACCUMULATION VALUE                         9

              SIX                                    SURRENDER CHARGES,
                                          DISTRIBUTIONS AND WITHDRAWALS                         10

              SEVEN                                    SEPARATE ACCOUNT                         11, 12, 13

              EIGHT                                       FIXED ACCOUNT                         13

              NINE                                   GENERAL PROVISIONS                         13, 14

                                                              RIDERS OR                         Attached
                                                           ENDORSEMENTS                         to the
                                                               (IF ANY)                         Policy.

                                                            APPLICATION                         Attached
                                                                                                to the
                                                                                                Policy.
</TABLE>

  Note: This is a legal contract between the policy Owner and the Corporation.

               PLEASE READ THIS POLICY CAREFULLY FOR FULL DETAILS.

995-190
<PAGE>   5
                                   DEFINITIONS

ACCUMULATION UNIT: An accounting unit used to calculate the Variable
Accumulation Value prior to the Annuity Commencement Date. Each Investment
Division of the Separate Account has a distinct Accumulation Unit value. The
value of an Accumulation Unit in each Investment Division was established at
$10, except for the Cash Management Investment Division where it was established
at $1, as of the date operations began for each Investment Division.

ACCUMULATION VALUE: The Variable Accumulation Value, if any, plus the Fixed
Accumulation Value, if any, of an account for any Valuation Period.

AGE:  Age on the nearest birthday.

ALLOCATION ALTERNATIVES: The Investment Divisions of the Separate Account and
the Fixed Account constitute the Allocation Alternatives.

ANNUITANT: The person named on the Application and whose life span determines
the Income Payments, and upon whose death prior to the Annuity Commencement Date
benefits under the Policy may be paid.

ANNUITY COMMENCEMENT DATE: The date on which the first Income Payment under this
policy is to be made.

BENEFICIARY: The person or entity having the right to receive the death benefit
set forth in this policy and who is the "designated Beneficiary" for purposes of
Section 72(s) of the Internal Revenue Code in the event of the Owner's or
Annuitant's death.

BUSINESS DAY: Any day on which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading,
except for: (a) days on which changes in the value of the Eligible Portfolios'
portfolio securities will not materially affect the Accumulation Unit values,
and (b) the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

CORPORATION: ("NYLIAC, We, Us, Our") New York Life Insurance and Annuity
Corporation, which is a wholly-owned Delaware subsidiary of New York Life
Insurance Company.

ELIGIBLE PORTFOLIOS ("PORTFOLIOS") The available mutual fund Portfolios of the
New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc. The New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc.
Portfolios available for investment by the Investment Divisions of the Separate
Account, are shown on the Policy Data Page.

FIXED ACCOUNT: Assets in the Fixed Account are not part of the Separate Account
of New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation. The Accumulation Value of
the Fixed Account is supported by assets in the General Account of the
Corporation, which are subject to the claims of its general creditors.

FIXED ACCUMULATION VALUE: The sum of Premium Payments and transfers allocated to
the Fixed Account, plus interest credited on those Premium Payments and
transfers, less transfers and any Partial Withdrawals from the Fixed Account,
and less any Surrender Charges and Service Charges that may have already been
assessed from the Fixed Account.

FUND: New York Life MFA Series Fund, Inc., a diversified, open-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

GENERAL ACCOUNT: Includes all of NYLIAC's assets except those assets
specifically allocated to the Separate Account.

995-190
<PAGE>   6
INCOME PAYMENTS: Payments made by NYLIAC to the Payee, generally after the
Annuity Commencement Date.

INVESTMENT DIVISION ("DIVISION"): A division of the Separate Account. Each
Investment Division invests exclusively in shares of a specified Eligible
Portfolio.

ISSUE DATE:  The date the policy is executed.

OWNER: ("You, Your") The person or entity designated as the owner in the Policy
(or surviving spouse of the Owner who is named as Beneficiary, and who becomes
the new Owner), or as subsequently changed, and upon whose death prior to the
Annuity Commencement Date benefits under the Policy may be paid. Generally,
NYLIAC will not issue a Policy to joint owners. However, if NYLIAC makes an
exception and issues a jointly owned policy, ownership rights and privileges
under the Policy must be exercised jointly and benefits under the Policy will be
paid upon the death of any joint owner.

PARTIAL WITHDRAWAL: Any part of the Accumulation Value paid to you, at your
request, in accordance with the terms of the Policy.

PAYEE:  A recipient of payments under the policy.

POLICY ANNIVERSARY: An anniversary of the Policy Date displayed on the Policy
Data Page.

POLICY DATA PAGE:  Page (2) of the policy, containing the policy specifications.

POLICY DATE: The date from which Policy Years, quarters, months, and
anniversaries are measured. It is shown on the Policy Data Page.

POLICY YEAR: A year commencing on the Policy Date. Subsequent Policy Years begin
on each Policy Anniversary unless otherwise indicated.

PREMIUM PAYMENT: An amount paid to the Corporation as consideration for the
benefits provided by the Policy.

PURCHASE DATE: The Business Day on which a Premium Payment is received by us and
credited under the policy.

PURCHASE YEAR: A year as measured from the Purchase Date of the initial Premium
Payment or from the Purchase Date of any additional Premium Payments made.

RESET ANNIVERSARY: The Anniversary occurring every three (3) years on the Policy
Date until either the policy Owner or the Annuitant, if they are different, is
equal to or older than age 85.

RESET VALUE: The value which is calculated on the Reset Anniversary is based on
a comparison between (a) the current Reset Anniversary's Accumulation Value, and
(b) the prior Reset Anniversary's value, plus any premiums since the prior Reset
Anniversary date, less any partial withdrawals, surrender charges on those
withdrawals, and any rider premiums since the last Reset Anniversary date. The
greater of the compared values will be the new Reset Value.

SEPARATE ACCOUNT: A Separate Account established by the Corporation into which
assets are placed for the purchasers of this class of policy.

SURRENDER CHARGE: An amount charged by the Corporation during the first six (6)
Purchase Years after any Premium Payment is made, when a Partial Withdrawal of
the Accumulation Value is made or when the policy is surrendered for its
Accumulation Value.

995-190
<PAGE>   7
VALUATION PERIOD: The period from the close of the immediately preceding
Business Day to the close of the current Business Day.

VARIABLE ACCUMULATION VALUE: The sum of the products of the current Accumulation
Unit value(s) for each of the Investment Divisions multiplied by the number of
Accumulation Units held in the respective Investment Division.

                          SECTION ONE - ANNUITY BENEFIT

      1.1   When Will Income Payments Begin?
        
            We will apply the Accumulation Value of the policy to the applicable
            Income Payment Option and make Income Payments to you each month
            beginning on the Annuity Commencement Date shown on the Policy Data
            Page. These payments will be made in accordance with the Income
            Payment of Policy Proceeds section of this policy. Income Payments
            will begin if you and the Annuitant, if you are not the Annuitant,
            are alive and if this policy is in force on that date.

      1.2  May The Annuity Commencement Date Be Deferred?

           Yes. If we agree, you may have the Annuity Commencement Date shown on
           the Policy Data page deferred. You must notify us in writing of your
           wish to defer at least one month before the Annuity Commencement
           Date.

                    SECTION TWO - INCOME PAYMENT OF POLICY PROCEEDS

      2.1  How Are Income Payments Made?

           If you and the Annuitant, if you are not the Annuitant, are alive,
           and this policy is in force on the Annuity Commencement Date, we will
           make Income Payments under the Life Income Payment Option. If the
           Accumulation Value of the policy is less than $2,000 on the Annuity
           Commencement Date, we will make payment in a single sum.

      2.2  How Are Payments Made Under The Life Income Payment Option?

           We will make equal payments each month during the lifetime of the
           Annuitant. Once Life Income Payments start, they do not change and
           are guaranteed for 10 years, even if the Annuitant dies sooner. We
           may require that the Payee submit proof of the Annuitant's
           survivorship as a condition for future Income Payments.

      2.3  How Are Life Income Payment Amounts Determined?

           Life Income Payments are based on the annuity premium rate in effect
           when the first Income Payment is due, but will not be less than the
           corresponding minimum amount shown in the Life Income Payment Option
           table. These minimum amounts are based on the 1983 Table a with
           Projection Scale G, and with interest compounded annually at 3%.

           When asked, we will state in writing what the minimum amount of each
           monthly Income Payment would be under this provision. It is based on
           the sex and adjusted Age of the Annuitant. To find the adjusted Age
           in the year the first Income Payment is due, we increase or decrease
           the Annuitant's Age at that time, according to the following table:


      995-190




<PAGE>   8
1996 &   1997-2005   2006-2015   2016-2025   2026-2035   2036 &
earlier                                                    later
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+2         +1             0          -1         -2      -3

                        LIFE INCOME PAYMENT OPTION TABLE
                            (Minimum Monthly Payment
                 Guaranteed for 10 years for $1,000 of Proceeds)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Adjusted
         Age                Male                 Female
<S>                        <C>                  <C>    
         60                 4.46                  4.03
         61                 4.55                  4.11
         62                 4.66                  4.19
         63                 4.76                  4.27
         64                 4.87                  4.37
         65                 4.99                  4.46
         66                 5.11                  4.57
         67                 5.24                  4.67
         68                 5.38                  4.79
         69                 5.52                  4.91
         70                 5.66                  5.04
         71                 5.81                  5.18
         72                 5.96                  5.32
         73                 6.12                  5.47
         74                 6.28                  5.63
         75                 6.45                  5.79
         76                 6.61                  5.96
         77                 6.78                  6.14
         78                 6.96                  6.32
         79                 7.13                  6.51
         80                 7.30                  6.70
         81                 7.46                  6.89
         82                 7.63                  7.07
         83                 7.78                  7.26
         84                 7.93                  7.44
         85+                8.07                  7.62
</TABLE>

2.4        Are There Any Other Methods Of Income Payment?

           You may elect to have the Accumulation Value paid to you in a single
           sum or, if we agree, the proceeds may be placed under some other
           Income Payment Option.

2.5        When Are State Premium Taxes Deducted From Your Policy?

           When any amount is placed under an Income Payment option on the
           Annuity Commencement Date, we may deduct from that amount any state
           premium tax that we are, or were, required to pay. We may also deduct
           any state premium tax that we are, or were, required to pay when the
           policy is surrendered for its Accumulation Value.

                  SECTION THREE - ANNUITANT, OWNER, BENEFICIARY

3.1        What Are The Rights Of Ownership Of This Policy?

           As the Owner, you have the right to change the Beneficiary or the
           Owner of this policy. These rights are nonforfeitable and also
           include the right to receive Income Payments or to name a Payee to
           receive these Income Payments.

3.2        May The Owner Be Different Than The Annuitant?

           Yes, but unless it is indicated on the Policy Data page, or unless
           ownership is subsequently changed, you are both the Annuitant and
           Owner of this policy.

3.3        How Do You Change The Owner Of The Policy?

           You may change the Owner of this policy, from yourself to a new
           Owner, in a notice you sign which gives us the facts that we need.
           This change will take effect as of the date we receive your signed
           notice, subject to any payment we made or action we took before
           recording the change. When this change takes effect, all rights of
           ownership in this policy will pass to the new Owner. Changing the
           Owner does not change the Beneficiary or the Annuitant.

3.4        May More Than One Beneficiary Be Named?

           Yes. You may name more than one Beneficiary on the application.
           Multiple Beneficiaries may be classified as first, second, and so on.
           If two or more Beneficiaries are named in a class, their shares in
           any amount payable may be stated. Any amount payable to a Beneficiary
           will be applied to any first Beneficiaries who survive you. If no
           first Beneficiaries survive, payment will be made to any surviving in
           the second class, and so on. Those who survive in the same class have
           an equal

995-190      
<PAGE>   9
      share in any amount payable, unless the shares are stated otherwise. No
      amount will be payable to a Beneficiary if you die after the end of an
      Income Payment period under any payment option.

3.5   May You Change A Beneficiary?

      You may change a Beneficiary, during the lifetime of the Annuitant or
      Owner, if you are not the Annuitant, in a signed notice that is
      satisfactory to us. When we record a change, it will take effect as of the
      date we receive your signed notice, subject to any payment we made or
      action we took before recording the change.

3.6   What Happens If The Annuitant Dies Before The Annuity Commencement Date?

      When we have proof that the Annuitant has died before the Annuity
      Commencement Date, we will pay to the Beneficiary an amount equal to the
      greater of:

                  a)       the Accumulation Value of this policy, or

                  b)       the sum of all Premium Payments paid for this policy,
                           less the amount of any Partial Withdrawals and any
                           Surrender Charges assessed, less any rider premiums,
                           or

                  c)       the Reset Value on the last Reset Anniversary of the
                           policy, plus, since the last Reset Anniversary, any
                           Premium Payments less any Partial Withdrawals and any
                           Surrender Charges assessed on those Withdrawals, less
                           any rider premiums since the last Reset Anniversary.

      Payment will be made in a single sum, or in accordance with the
      Beneficiary's election as provided for below. The Accumulation Value will
      be calculated as of the date we receive, at our Home Office, due proof of
      death and all requirements necessary to make the payment. This policy will
      end on such date. However, if you are not the Annuitant and the Annuitant
      was your spouse and you are the primary Beneficiary, you may elect, in
      writing, to continue the policy with you as the new Annuitant.

3.7   What Happens If The Annuitant Dies After The Annuity Commencement Date?

      If the Annuitant dies after the Annuity Commencement Date, but before the
      end of the guaranteed period of the Income Payments, we will continue to
      make these payments to the Beneficiary for the remainder of the Income
      Payment period. No amount will be payable to a Beneficiary if the
      Annuitant dies after the end of an Income Payment period under any payment
      option.

3.8   What Happens If You Die Before The Annuity Commencement Date?

      If you are not the Annuitant, and if you die before the Annuity
      Commencement Date, when we have proof that you have died we will pay to
      the Beneficiary an amount equal to the greater of:

                  a)       the Accumulation Value of this policy, or

                  b)       the sum of all Premium Payments paid for this policy,
                           less the amount of any Partial Withdrawals and any
                           Surrender Charges assessed, less any rider premiums,
                           or

                  c)       the Reset Value on the last Reset Anniversary of the
                           policy, plus, since the last Reset Anniversary, any
                           Premium Payments less any Partial Withdrawals and any
                           Surrender Charges assessed on those withdrawals, less
                           any rider premiums since the last Reset Anniversary.

       Payment will be made in a single sum or in accordance with the
       Beneficiary's election as provided for below. The Accumulation Value will
       be calculated as of the date we receive at our Home Office due proof of
       death and all requirements necessary to make payment. This policy will
       end on such

995-190       
<PAGE>   10
       date. However, if you are not the Annuitant and your surviving spouse is
       the primary Beneficiary, your spouse may elect in writing to become the
       new Owner of the policy.

3.9    What Happens If You Die After The Annuity Commencement Date?

       If you die before the Annuitant, we will make payment to the Beneficiary
       in an amount equal to the present value of remaining Income Payments
       under a fixed option or the current value of any amount remaining with us
       under a variable option if then available. That amount will be determined
       based on the method, interest rate and mortality table used to determine
       the monthly Income Payment.

3.10   Does A Beneficiary Have To Accept The Accumulation Value Of The
       Policy At Your Death?

       Upon receiving proof of your death, full payment will be made within 5
       years after the date of your death, to the Beneficiary. Your Beneficiary
       is not required to accept the Accumulation Value of the policy if, while
       the Annuitant is alive, you or the Beneficiary (after your death), choose
       in a signed notice which gives us the facts that we need, to have all or
       part of this payment placed under the Life Income Payment Option or any
       other payment option for the Beneficiary. Payment under the option must
       be for the life of the Beneficiary or for a number of years that is not
       more than the life expectancy of the Beneficiary, at the time of your
       death (as determined for federal tax purposes), and must begin within one
       year after your death.

3.11   What Happens If Your Spouse Is The Beneficiary?

       If your spouse is the Beneficiary and you die before the Annuity
       Commencement Date, the policy may be continued with your spouse as the
       new Owner. If you are also the Annuitant, your spouse will become the new
       Annuitant. If your spouse chooses to continue the policy, no death
       benefit proceeds will be paid as a consequence of your death.

3.12   What Happens If A Beneficiary Who Is Receiving Income Payments Dies?

       Each remaining Income Payment will be made to those Beneficiaries in the
       same class who are alive when that payment becomes due. If no Beneficiary
       for any amount payable, or for a stated share, survives you, the right to
       this amount or this share will pass to your estate. If any Beneficiary
       dies at the same time as you, or within 15 days after your death, but
       before we receive proof of your death, we will pay any amount payable as
       though that Beneficiary died first.

3.13   What Happens If No Beneficiary Survives The Annuitant?

       If no Beneficiary for any amount payable is alive at the death of the
       Annuitant, the right to that amount or that share will pass to you or, in
       the case of your death, to your estate. Payment of the proceeds will be
       made in a single sum to your estate.

                                     SECTION FOUR - PREMIUM PAYMENTS

4.1    How Are Premium Payments Credited?

       If your application can be accepted as received, the initial Premium
       Payment will be credited within two Business Days after receipt.
       Additional Premium Payments will be credited to the policy as of the
       Purchase Date.

4.2    Are There Any Limitations Regarding The Amounts And Frequency Of
       Premium Payments?

       At any time before the Annuity Commencement Date, during the lifetime of
       the Annuitant or Owner, if you are not the Annuitant, and before
       settlement of the policy under the Income Payment of Policy Proceeds
       section, payments may be made at any interval and by any method we make
       available. The initial Premium Payment is the amount shown on the Policy
       Data Page. The minimum payment you can make, as well as the frequency of
       the premiums, as stated on the application for this policy, are shown on
       the Policy Data Page. We reserve the right to limit the dollar amount of
       any additional Premium Payment.

995-190
       
<PAGE>   11
4.3        How Are Premium Payments Allocated To Investment Divisions?

           Premium Payments may be applied to one or more of the Allocation
           Alternatives shown on the Policy Data page or to any other Investment
           Division which may be established by us for this policy. Except for
           payments or portions of payments applied to the Fixed Account, the
           initial Premium Payment will be allocated in its entirety to the Cash
           Management Investment Division until 15 days after the Issue Date.
           Thereafter, it and all later Premium Payments will be allocated as
           requested unless subsequently changed by you.

4.4        May The Allocation Alternatives For Premium Payments Be Changed?

           The allocation for Premium Payments may be changed among the
           Allocation Alternatives beginning 15 days after the Issue Date shown
           on the Policy Data Page. You must tell us in a notice you sign which
           gives us the facts that we need, or by telephone in accordance with
           established procedures. Premium Payments received after the date on
           which we receive your notice will be applied on the basis of the new
           allocation. You must indicate what percentage of each Premium Payment
           to allocate to the Allocation Alternatives. The minimum amount of a
           Premium Payment that can be allocated to an Allocation Alternative is
           shown on the Policy Data Page. We reserve the right to limit the
           amount of a Premium Payment that may be allocated to any one
           Allocation Alternative.

4.5        May The Corporation Terminate This Policy?

           It may happen that no Premium Payment has been received for 2 or more
           years in a row and both (a) the sum of all Premium Payments for this
           policy, less any Partial Withdrawals and any Surrender Charges, and
           (b) the Accumulation Value, are less than $2,000. If so, we have the
           right, subject to any applicable state law or regulation, to
           terminate this policy by paying you the Accumulation Value in a
           single sum. We will notify you of our intention to exercise this
           right and allow you ninety (90) days to make a Premium Payment.

                        SECTION FIVE - ACCUMULATION VALUE

5.1        How Is Your Policy'S Accumulation Value Calculated?

           On any day on or before the Annuity Commencement Date, the
           Accumulation Value of this policy is equal to:

           a)     the Fixed Accumulation Value, which is: the sum of Premium
                  Payments and transfers allocated to the Fixed Account, plus
                  interest credited on those Premium Payments and transfers,
                  less transfers and any Partial Withdrawals from the Fixed
                  Account, and less any Surrender Charges and Service Charges
                  that may have already been assessed from the Fixed Account,
                  plus

           b)     the Variable Accumulation Value, which is: the sum of the
                  products of the current Accumulation Unit value(s) for each of
                  the Investment Divisions of the Separate Account multiplied by
                  the number of Accumulation Units held in the respective
                  Investment Division.

           The instances in which Surrender Charges will be assessed, and the
           amounts of those charges, is explained in Section Six herein.

           When you ask us, we will tell you how much Accumulation Value there
           is.

5.2        Are Service Charges Deductible From Your Policy?

           An annual Service Charge may be applicable as shown on the Policy
           Data Page. That charge, if any, will be deducted on the Policy
           Anniversary or the date of surrender.

995-190


      
<PAGE>   12
             SECTION SIX - SURRENDER CHARGES, DISTRIBUTIONS, AND WITHDRAWALS

6.1        When Can You Surrender The Policy?

           At any time, on or before the Annuity Commencement Date, after this
           policy has an Accumulation Value, you may surrender it for the
           Accumulation Value, less any Service Charges or Surrender Charges
           that may apply. Surrender Charges are explained in Section 6.4.

6.2        When Can You Make A Partial Withdrawal From The Policy?

           After the policy has an Accumulation Value, you may request a Partial
           Withdrawal by sending us a written request at least thirty (30) days
           before the Annuity Commencement Date and while the Annuitant and
           Owner, if you are not the Annuitant, are alive. The Partial
           Withdrawal may be for a selected amount or a percentage of the
           Accumulation Value. The minimum amount you may withdraw is shown on
           the Policy Data Page. You must tell us how it is to be allocated
           among the Allocation Alternatives; however, if you do not specify
           which Allocation Alternatives, NYLIAC will withdraw the money on a
           pro-rata basis from each Allocation Alternative. A Surrender Charge
           which applies separately to each Premium Payment, as explained in
           Section 6.4, will be assessed as shown on the Policy Data Page,
           except as provided in Section 6.5. If your request for a Partial
           Withdrawal is greater than the amount in the Allocation
           Alternative(s), we will pay you the entire value of that Allocation
           Alternative(s), less any Surrender Charge that may apply.

6.3        When Will A Partial Withdrawal Or Surrender Be Processed?

           We will pay any Partial Withdrawal or surrender proceeds within seven
           (7) days after we receive all the requirements that we need. The
           surrender value to be paid will be determined on the date that we
           have received all such requirements. However, it may happen that the
           New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading (other than the usual
           weekend or holiday closing, or the Friday after Thanksgiving or
           Christmas Eve), or the Securities and Exchange Commission restricts
           trading or determines that an emergency exists. If so, it may not be
           practical for us to determine the investment experience of the
           Separate Account. In that case, we may defer payment of Partial
           Withdrawals or surrender proceeds.

           When permitted by law, we may defer payment of any Partial Withdrawal
           or full surrender request from the Fixed Account for up to six (6)
           months from the Partial Withdrawal or surrender request date.
           Interest will be paid on any amount deferred for thirty (30) days or
           more. This rate will be at least three and one half percent (3.5%).

           It may also happen that a request for a Partial Withdrawal would
           cause the total Accumulation Value of the policy to fall below
           $2,000. If so, we will not process the Partial Withdrawal request.

6.4        How Much Is The Surrender Charge?

           The amount of this charge, if any, will be a percentage, as shown on
           the Policy Data Page, of the amount withdrawn or surrender proceeds.
           The surrender charge will only apply to the amount withdrawn or the
           surrender proceeds, which, when added to the amount of all prior
           Surrender Charge free withdrawals occurring during the current Policy
           Year, exceed ten percent (10%) of the current Accumulation Value of
           the policy. However, if that portion of the Accumulation Value that
           represents the Premium Payment(s) to this policy are $100,000 or
           more, the Surrender Charge free amount is the greater of:

                  a)       ten percent (10%) of the current Accumulation Value
                           of the policy less any prior Surrender Charge free
                           Partial Withdrawals made during the current Policy
                           Year; or

                  b)       that portion of the Accumulation Value that exceeds
                           the total Premium Payments made to this policy.


995-190           
<PAGE>   13
           In no event will the aggregate Surrender Charge applied under the
           policy exceed eight and one half percent (8.5%) of the total Premium
           Payments.

           For the initial Premium Payment, the Surrender Charge will be
           calculated from the Policy Date. For each subsequent Premium Payment,
           the Surrender Charge will be calculated from the Purchase Date of
           each Premium Payment. Therefore, for purposes of calculating the
           Surrender Charge for additional Premium Payments, the second Purchase
           Year begins on the first anniversary of that additional Premium
           Payment, the third Purchase Year begins on the second anniversary of
           that additional Premium Payment, and so on.

Once surrender charges have been assessed on an amount equal to the total
Premium Payments made, no further surrender charges will apply.

6.5        Are Surrender Charges Ever Waived?

           Surrender Charges may be waived:

                  a)       when proceeds are paid on the death of the Owner or
                           the Annuitant;

                  b)       for any Internal Revenue Service required minimum
                           distributions from the Accumulation Value of this
                           policy as calculated by us;

                  c)       for annuitization after the first year;

                  d)       conditions specified in any riders or endorsements
                           attached to and made a part of the policy;

                  e)       upon surrender of the policy during the first three
                           (3) policy years, to the extent that the surrender
                           charge and the service charge may reduce the
                           surrender value to be less than the initial Premium
                           Payment allocated to the Fixed Account, providing no
                           transfers have been made from the Fixed Account and
                           no Partial withdrawals have been made from either the
                           Fixed Account or the Investment Divisions of the
                           Separate Account; or

                  f)       if NYLIAC cancels the policy.

                        SECTION SEVEN - SEPARATE ACCOUNT

7.1        How Is The Separate Account Established And Maintained?

           We have established and maintained the Separate Account under the
           laws of the state of Delaware. Any realized or unrealized income, net
           gains and losses from the assets of the Separate Account are credited
           or charged to it without regard to our other income.

7.2        How Are The Separate Account Assets Invested?

           The Separate Account invests its assets in shares of the Eligible
           Portfolios of the Fund. Fund shares are purchased, redeemed and
           valued on behalf of the Separate Account. The Separate Account is
           divided into Investment Divisions. We reserve the right to add or
           remove any Investment Division of the Separate Account.

7.3        To Whom Do The Assets In The Separate Account Belong?

           The assets of the Separate Account are our property. There are
           Separate Account assets which equal the reserves and other policy
           liabilities of the Separate Account. Those assets will not be
           chargeable with liabilities arising out of any other business we
           conduct. We reserve the right to transfer assets of an Investment
           Division, in excess of the reserves and other policy liabilities with
           respect to that Investment Division, to another Investment Division
           or to our General Account.

7.4        How Will The Assets Of The Separate Account Be Valued?

           We will determine the value of the assets of the Separate Account on
           each day during which the New York Stock Exchange is open for trading
           except for the Friday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. The
           assets of the Separate Account will be valued at fair market value,
           as determined in accordance with a method of valuation which we
           establish in good faith. However, it

995-190
<PAGE>   14
           may happen that the New York Stock Exchange is closed for trading
           (other than the usual weekend or holiday closing, or the Friday after
           Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve), or the Securities and Exchange
           Commission restricts trading or determines that an emergency exists.
           If so, it may not be practical for us to determine the investment
           experience of the Separate Account. In that case, we may defer
           transfers among the Investment Divisions and to the Fixed Account.

7.5        Can We Transfer Assets Of The Separate Account To Another Separate
           Account?

           Yes. We reserve the right to transfer assets of the Separate Account,
           which we determine to be associated with the class of policies to
           which this policy belongs, to another Separate Account. If this type
           of transfer is made, the term "Separate Account", as used in this
           policy, shall then mean the Separate Account to which the assets were
           transferred.

7.6        What Other Rights Do We Have?

           We also reserve the right, when permitted by law, to:

                  a)       de-register the Separate Account under the Investment
                           Company Act of 1940;

                  b)       manage the Separate Account under the direction of a
                           committee at any time;

                  c)       restrict or eliminate any of the voting rights of
                           policy Owners or other persons who have voting rights
                           as to the Separate Account; and

                  d)       combine the Separate Account with one or more other
                           Separate Accounts.

7.7        Can A Change In The Objective Of The Fund Be Made?

           When required by law or regulation, an objective of the Fund can be
           changed. The objective of the Fund will not be changed unless
           approved by the appropriate insurance official of the state of
           Delaware or deemed approved in accordance with such law or
           regulation. If so required, the request to obtain such approval will
           be filed with the insurance official of the state or the district in
           which this policy is delivered.

7.8        If The Assets In The Separate Account Belong To Us, What Do Your
           Premium Payments Purchase?

           The interest of this policy in the Investment Divisions of the
           Separate Account prior to the Annuity Commencement Date is
           represented by Accumulation Units. The number of Accumulation Units
           purchased in an Investment Division will be determined by dividing
           the part of any Premium Payment or the part of any transfer applied
           to that Investment Division, by the value of an Accumulation Unit for
           that Investment Division on the transaction date. Premium Payments
           allocated to the Investment Divisions will be applied to provide
           Accumulation Units in those Investment Divisions.

7.9        How Is The Value Of An Accumulation Unit Determined?

           The value of an Accumulation Unit on any Business Day is determined
           by multiplying the value of that unit on the immediately preceding
           Business Day by the net investment factor for the Valuation Period.
           The net investment factor for this policy used to calculate the value
           of an Accumulation Unit in any Investment Division of the Separate
           Account for the Valuation Period is determined by dividing (a) by (b)
           and subtracting (c) from the result, where:

           a)     is the sum of:

                  1)       the net asset value of a Fund share held in the
                           Separate Account for that Investment Division
                           determined at the end of the current Valuation
                           Period, plus

                  2)       the per share amount of any dividend or capital gain
                           distributions made by the Fund for shares held in the
                           Separate Account for that Investment Division if the
                           ex- dividend date occurs during the Valuation Period.

995-190
           
<PAGE>   15
                  b)       is the net asset value of a Fund share held in the
                           Separate Account for that Investment Division
                           determined as of the end of the immediately preceding
                           Valuation Period.

                  c)       is a factor representing the mortality and expense
                           risk fee, and administrative charges. This factor is
                           equal, on an annual basis, to 1.4% of the daily net
                           asset value of a Fund share held in the Separate
                           Account for that Investment Division.

           The net investment factor may be greater or less than one (1);
           therefore, the Accumulation Unit value may increase or decrease.

7.10       CAN YOU TRANSFER BETWEEN INVESTMENT DIVISIONS AND TO THE FIXED
           ACCOUNT?

           Yes. Transfers of the Accumulation Value may be made between
           Investment Divisions of the Separate Account and to the Fixed
           Account.

7.11       HOW DO YOU TRANSFER THE ACCUMULATION VALUE BETWEEN INVESTMENT
           DIVISIONS AND TO THE FIXED ACCOUNT?

           If you want to transfer the Accumulation Value between the Investment
           Divisions or to the Fixed Account you must tell us in a notice you
           sign which gives us the facts that we need, or by telephone in
           accordance with established procedures.

7.12       ARE THERE LIMITS ON WHAT YOU MAY TRANSFER?

           Transfers must be made prior to thirty (30) days before the Annuity
           Commencement Date. The minimum amount that can be transferred is the
           lesser of the amount shown on the Policy Data Page or the value of
           all remaining Accumulation Units in the Investment Division. The
           Investment Division from which the transfer is being made must
           maintain the minimum balance as shown on the Policy Data Page after
           the transfer is completed. If, after a transfer, the value of the
           remaining Accumulation Units in an Investment Division would be less
           than the minimum, we have the right to include that amount as part of
           the transfer.

           There is no limit to the number of transfers that can be made;
           however, we reserve the right to apply a charge, as shown on the
           Policy Data Page.

           Transfers may not be made into the Fixed Account if there were
           transfers out of the Fixed Account within the six (6) month period
           prior to the transfer request, unless the transfer is part of a
           dollar cost averaging program that was in effect when the money was
           transferred from the Fixed Account.

           We reserve the right to limit the amount which may be transferred
           from the Investment Divisions to the Fixed Account.

                          SECTION EIGHT - FIXED ACCOUNT

8.1        WHAT IS THE FIXED ACCOUNT?

           The Fixed Account is supported by assets of the Corporation that are
           not segregated in any of the Separate Accounts of New York Life
           Insurance and Annuity Corporation. Premium Payments allocated to, or
           amounts transferred to the Fixed Account are credited with interest
           using a fixed interest rate. We will set an interest rate in advance,
           at least once a year. This rate will never be less than the
           guaranteed rate shown on the Policy Data Page. All Premium Payments
           applied to, or amounts transferred to, the Fixed Account receive the
           rate declared for that period for one year. Thereafter, the rate
           applicable to those amounts will change on the Anniversary of each
           Premium Payment or any part of a Premium Payment allocated to the
           Fixed Account, or for any amount transferred to the Fixed Account.
           The new rate will be the rate we declare, and is in effect on the
           anniversary of the Premium Payment or any part of that Premium
           Payment allocated to the Fixed Account or any amount transferred to
           the Fixed Account.

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<PAGE>   16
8.2        CAN TRANSFERS BE MADE FROM THE FIXED ACCOUNT TO THE INVESTMENT
           DIVISION?

           Yes. Each Policy Year you may make transfers from the Fixed Account
           to the Investment Divisions. Each transfer must be for an amount not
           less than that shown on the Policy Data Page and the sum of all such
           transfers in a policy year may not be greater than the maximum
           percentage shown on the Policy Data Page of the Accumulation Value in
           the Fixed Account at the beginning of that Policy Year. A minimum as
           shown on the Policy Data Page must remain in the Fixed Account. If
           after a transfer the Fixed Accumulation Value would fall below the
           minimum, the remaining amount will be allocated to the Investment
           Division(s) in the same proportion as the transfer request.

8.3        HOW WILL PARTIAL WITHDRAWALS AND TRANSFERS BE DEDUCTED FROM THE FIXED
           ACCOUNT?

           Partial Withdrawals and transfers will be made from the Fixed Account
           in the following sequence: first from the Accumulation Value in the
           Fixed Account attributed to the initial Premium Payment then from the
           Accumulation Value in the Fixed Account attributed to subsequent
           allocations and transfers in the order received.

                        SECTION NINE - GENERAL PROVISIONS

9.1        WHAT CONSTITUTES THE ENTIRE CONTRACT?

           The entire contract consists of this policy, any attached riders and
           endorsements, and the attached copy of the Application. Only our
           Chairman, President, Secretary, or one of our Executive Officers may
           change the policy and then only in writing. No change will be made in
           the contract unless you agree to it in writing. No Registered
           Representative is authorized to change this contract or to change or
           waive any provisions of this contract.

9.2        HOW IMPORTANT IS THE INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE ON THE APPLICATION FOR
           THIS POLICY?

           In issuing this policy, we have relied on the statements made on the
           Application. All such statements are deemed to be representations and
           not warranties. We assume these statements are true and complete to
           the best of the knowledge and belief of those who made them. No
           statement made in connection with the Application will be used by us
           to void the policy unless that statement is a material
           misrepresentation and is part of the Application.

9.3        WILL WE BE ABLE TO CONTEST THIS POLICY?

           We will not contest this policy after it has been in force during the
           lifetime of the Annuitant for two years from the Issue Date.

9.4        HOW ARE THE DATES REFERRED TO IN THIS POLICY MEASURED?

           Policy Years, months, and anniversaries are measured from the Policy
           Date, except where otherwise specified.

9.5        HOW IS A PERSON'S AGE CALCULATED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY?

           In this policy when we refer to a person's Age on any date, we mean
           his or her Age on the birthday which is nearest that date.

9.6        WHAT HAPPENS IF IN THIS POLICY WE REFER TO A PERSON'S AGE OR SEX
           INCORRECTLY?

           If a date on the Policy Data Page is based on an Age that is not
           correct we may change the date to reflect the correct Age. If the Age
           or sex of the Annuitant displayed on the Policy Data Page is not
           correct as stated, any amount payable under this policy will be what
           would have been purchased at the correct Age and sex. If payments
           were made based on incorrect Age or sex, we will increase or reduce a
           later payment or payments to adjust for the error. Any adjustment
           will include interest, at 3.5% per year, from the date of the wrong
           payment to the date the adjustment is made.

995-190

       
<PAGE>   17
9.7        MAY YOU ASSIGN OR TRANSFER YOUR POLICY?

           While the Annuitant is alive, you may assign this policy or any
           interest in it. If you do this, your interest, and anyone else's is
           subject to that of the assignee. As Owner, you still have the rights
           of ownership that have not been assigned.

9.8        MAY THE ASSIGNEE CHANGE THE OWNER, ANNUITANT OR BENEFICIARY?

           No. An assignee cannot change the Owner, Annuitant or Beneficiary,
           and may not elect an alternative payment option. Any amount payable
           to the assignee will be made in a single sum.

9.9        HOW DO YOU ASSIGN THE POLICY?

           You must provide us with a copy of the assignment. We are not
           responsible for the validity of any assignment. Any assignment will
           be subject to any payment previously made by us or any other action
           we may take before we record the assignment.

9.10       ARE THE PAYMENTS MADE UNDER THE TERMS OF THIS POLICY PROTECTED
           AGAINST CREDITORS?

           Payments we make under this policy are to the extent the law permits,
           exempt from the claims, attachments, or levies of any creditors.

9.11       TO WHOM SHOULD PAYMENTS FOR THIS POLICY BE MADE?

           Any payments made to us by check or money order must be payable to
           New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation or NYLIAC. When
           asked, we will give a countersigned receipt, also signed by our
           President or Secretary, for any Premium Payment made to us.

9.12       HOW IS INTEREST CALCULATED?

           All guaranteed Accumulation Values referred to in this policy are
           based on interest compounded each year at the guaranteed rate shown
           on the Policy Data Page. Each value is at least as much as the value
           the law requires.

9.13       IS THIS POLICY SUBJECT TO ANY LAW?

           This policy is subject to all laws which apply.

9.14       ARE THERE ANY DIVIDENDS PAYABLE UNDER THIS POLICY?

           No. This is a non-participating policy; therefore, no dividends are
           payable.

995-190



















<PAGE>   18
NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE
AND ANNUITY CORPORATION

Executive Office - 51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010


A Stock Company Incorporated in Delaware
FLEXIBLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY

Monthly Income Payments Begin on the Annuity Commencement Date. Premiums May be
Paid During the Annuitant's Lifetime. Benefits Based on the Performance of the
Separate Account are Variable and are not Guaranteed as to Dollar Amount.

This Policy is Non-Participating.

995-190



































<PAGE>   1













                                   Exhibit (5)

                        Form of Application for a Policy




































<PAGE>   2
                               APPLICATION FOR
                                LifeStages(SM)              [New York Life Logo]
                                                                    
                  A FLEXIBLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY
  TO NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
  Flexible Premium Retirement Annuity At Age 85 or 10 Years (if age 76 to 85).

<TABLE>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>                     <C>     <C>             <C>
1. Who will be the Owner of this Contract?
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name (First, M.I., Last)                Date of Birth           Male    Female          Social Security or Tax ID No.
                                        Month  Day  Year        
John Doe                                08     16    49         /X/     / /             123-45-6789
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailing Address-Street                                          City                    State                   Zip Code

100 Main Street                                                 Anytown                 YZ                      11111
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Telephone Number                Business Telephone Number                          Relationship to Annuitant

(111) 222-3333                       (111) 333-4444                                     Same
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner Name if any (First, M.I., Last)  Relationship to Owner:  Date of Birth     Male  Female  Social Security or Tax ID No.
                                                                     Month  Day  Year        
                                                                                       / /  / /
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. Who will be the Annuitant? If same as Owner, check here /X/. If other than Owner, complete below:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name (First, M.I., Last)                Date of Birth           Male    Female          Social Security or Tax ID No.
                                        Month  Day  Year        / /     / /

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailing Address-Street                  City                          State           Zip Code        Home Telephone Number

                                                                                                      (   )
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. How will you pay for this Contract? (Attach check payable to NYLIAC)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Premium Amount  $10,000                                 (Complete and attach Form 18507)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Who will be the Beneficiary(ies) of this Contract? NOTE: Please use Question 7 to name Contingent Beneficiary.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                           Relationship to Owner:                                          Percentage:

Mary Doe                                        Spouse                                                          100%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                           Relationship to Owner:                                          Percentage:


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. Is this a tax-qualified plan? If so, please check one.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / IRA         Current Year Contribution               Prior Year Contribution         Transfer Amount         Rollover Amount
                $               Year____                $               Year____        $                       $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / SEP         Current Year Contribution               Prior Year Contribution         Transfer Amount         Rollover Amount
                $               Year____                $               Year____        $                       $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
/ / TSA         Transfer Amount                         NOTE: If this is an IRA/SEP transfer/rollover or TSA transfer, please 
                $                                       complete and attach Form 18500.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Is this a replacement of a Life or Annuity Policy? If yes, please complete below.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company Name                                    Policy Number(s)                        Estimated Contract Value
                                                                                        $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Are there additional details?

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

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

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Signatures -- Required
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I/We acknowledge receipt of a current prospectus and agree that: (1) All of the statements in this          "Date Received"
application are true to the best of the knowledge and belief of those who made and recorded them. (2)          Stamp Here
This contract will not become effective unless it is delivered to the Owner while the Annuitant is 
living. (3) Unless otherwise indicated below, the Owner of this contract is the Applicant. (4) Under
penalties of perjury, the Taxpayer Identification Numbers provided on this application are certified
to be correct. (5) I/We understand that the annuity is not backed or guaranteed by any bank or
insured by the FDIC.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicant (Owner):                              Annuitant (if other than Owner):

X  John Doe                                     X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner (if any):                           Dated on:                  Signed at (City/State):
                                                Month   Day   Year
X                                               12      12    94           Anyplace, YZ 11111
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Broker/Dealer:                                  Signed at (City/State):    Telephone No.

X  ABC Broker                                   Anyplace, YZ 11111          (111) 333-4455
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered Representative:                      Rep Code/ID No.:

X  Joe Broker                                   99999
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
995-593
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   3
                                                            [NEW YORK LIFE LOGO]

                                APPLICATION FOR
                 A FLEXIBLE PREMIUM DEFERRED VARIABLE ANNUITY
  TO NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION (A DELAWARE CORPORATION)
  Flexible Premium Retirement Annuity At Age 85 or 10 Years (if age 76 to 85).

51 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10010
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Which product are you applying for? (Choose only one)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] NYLIAC Variable Annuity      [X] LifeStages(SM) - A Variable Annuity
                                     from NYLIAC
================================================================================
2. Who will be the Owner of this Contract?
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                            <C>                                       <C>              <C> 
Name (First, M.I., Last)        Date of Birth                            Male   Female     Social Security or Tax ID No.
                               Month  Day  Year
John Doe                        08     16   49                            [X]     [ ]      123-45-6789
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailing Address-Street                                                   City              State             Zip Code  
100 Main Street                                                          Anytown           YZ                11111
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Home Telephone Number           Business Telephone Number                                  Relationship to Annuitant
(111) 222-3333                  (111) 333-4444                                             Same
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joint Owner Name, if any (First, M.I., Last)      Date of Birth          Male   Female     Social Security or Tax ID No.
                                                 Month  Day  Year
                                                                          [ ]     [ ]                   
========================================================================================================================
3. Who will be the Annuitant? If same as Owner, check here [X]. If other than Owner, complete below:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name (First, M.I., Last)        Date of Birth                            Male   Female     Social Security or Tax ID No.
                               Month  Day  Year
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mailing Address-Street                             City     State        Zip Code          Home Telephone Number
                                                                                           (   ) 
========================================================================================================================
4. How will you pay for this Contract? (Attach check payable to NYLIAC)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Amount Paid                  B. Flexible Planned Premium Amount - for C-O-M or Employer Billing only
   $10,000                         $500
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      If you indicated a dollar amount in B, please check one:
NOTE: [X] C-O-M (Complete Form 18492)     [ ] Employer Billing Arrangement (Complete Form 18483)
========================================================================================================================
5. Who will be the Beneficiary(ies) of this Contract?
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                             Relationship to Owner                     Percentage:
Mary Doe                                               Spouse                                   100%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                             Relationship to Owner                     Percentage:

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: Please use Question 10 to name a Contingent Beneficiary.
========================================================================================================================
6. Is this a tax-qualified plan or an IRC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan? If so, please specify.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   [ ] IRA       Current Year Contribution        Prior Year Contribution         Transfer Amount         Rollover Amount
                 $             Year ______        $            Year ______        $                       $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   [ ] SEP       Current Year Contribution        Prior Year Contribution         Transfer Amount         Rollover Amount
                 $             Year ______        $            Year ______        $                       $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   [ ] TSA       Transfer Amount                  [ ] IRC 457 Deferred Compensation Plan       
                 $               
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this an Employer Sponsored Plan: [ ] Yes   [ ] No         Check here if ERISA Plan: [ ]
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: If this is an IRA/SEP transfer/rollover or TSA transfer, please complete and attach Form 18500.
========================================================================================================================
7. Is this a non-qualified plan? If so, please check one.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is this a 1035 Exchange?  [ ] Yes    [X} No                   Note: If yes, please complete and attach Form 18263.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
995-593                                                    Specimen Copy
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   4
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Is this a replacement of a Life or Annuity Policy? If yes, please complete below.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
Company Name                                                            Policy Number(s)

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Estimated                       Cost Basis                                                      Termination Date:
Contract Value $                (only for Non-Qualified Policies) $                             Month   Day    Year

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Do you want to request telephone authorization to make transfers within your Policy?
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. I/We authorize New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation to honor my/our instructions in order to make transfers among the
   Plan's various allocation alternatives. I/We hereby acknowledge that all telephone instructions given pursuant to this
   Authorization are subject to the conditions set forth in the prospectus and that NYLIAC and/or the Variable Product Service
   Center will not be liable for any loss, liability, cost, or expense for acting in accordance with such instructions believed by
   them to be genuine in accordance with the procedures set forth in the prospectus. / / Yes  / / No
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Are there additional individuals to be Authorized?           Note: Registered Representatives may not be authorized to make
                                                                      transactions to client's policies.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                                   Relationship to Owner:

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name:                                                   Relationship to Owner:

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Are there additional details?
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

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

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

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

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Signatures -- Required
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Those who sign this application agree that: (1) All statements in this application are complete and true to the best of the
knowledge and belief of those who made and recorded them. (2) No Registered Representative is authorized to accept risks, make or
change contracts, or give up any of the Insurer's rights or requirements. (3) This contract will not become effective unless it is
delivered to the Owner while the Annuitant is living. (4) Unless otherwise indicated below, the Owner of the contract is the
Applicant. (5) Under penalties of perjury, the Taxpayer Identification Numbers provided on this Application are certified to be 
correct.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Registered Representative:                      Registered Rep. Code No.:       Applicant (Owner):

X Joe Nyliac                                    99999                           X  John Doe
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agent's State License No.:      Registered Rep. Telephone No.:                  Annuitant (if other than Owner):

                                (111) 333-4455                                  X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Office Name & Code No.:                                                 Joint Owner (if any):

                                                                                X
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Countersigned by Licensed Resident Registered Rep. (if Required)                Dated on:               Signed at (City/State):
                                                                                Month  Day  Year
                                                                                12     12   94          Anyplace, YZ 11111
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
995-593                                                                                                 OFFICE
                                                                                                    "Date Received"
                                                                                                       Stamp Here

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1

















                                   Exhibit (9)

                  Opinion and Consent of Robert J. Hebron, Esq.
































<PAGE>   2

[NEW YORK LIFE LETTERHEAD]




The Company You Keep (R)                  NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY      
                                          51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010
                                          (212) 576-5149 Fax: 212 447-4268
                                         
                                          ROBERT J. HEBRON
                                          Vice President and
                                          Associate General Counsel



                                                                  April 15, 1997

New York Life Insurance
  and Annuity Corporation
51 Madison Avenue
New York, NY  10010


         RE:      NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY CORPORATION
                  VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         This opinion is furnished in connection with the filing by New York
Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation ("NYLIAC") of Post-Effective Amendment
No. 2 to the registration statement on Form N-4 ("Registration Statement") under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of NYLIAC Variable Annuity Separate
Account-III ("Separate Account"). The Separate Account receives and invests
premiums allocated to it under a flexible premium variable annuity policy
("Annuity Contract"). The Annuity Contract is offered in the manner described in
the Registration Statement.

         In my capacity as Vice President and Associate General Counsel for New
York Life Insurance Company, I have authority to assist the General Counsel in
supervising and administering the general business affairs of the Office of the
General Counsel, including authority to act with respect to any matter within
his authority or responsibility relating to legal affairs. This would include
general supervision of NYLIAC's legal affairs. In this capacity, I am familiar
with the Separate Account, which was established as of November 30, 1994
pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of NYLIAC for a
separate account for assets applicable to the Annuity Contract, pursuant to the
provisions of Section 2932 of the Delaware Insurance Code. In addition, I have
made such examination of the law and have examined such corporate records and
such other documents as I consider appropriate as a basis for the opinion
hereinafter expressed. On the basis of such examination, it is my professional
opinion that:

<PAGE>   3
New York Life Insurance
  and Annuity Company
April 15, 1997
Page 2


   1.    NYLIAC is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the
         laws of the State of Delaware.

   2.    The Separate Account is an account established and maintained by NYLIAC
         pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware, under which income,
         capital gains and capital losses incurred on the assets of the Separate
         Account are credited to or charged against the assets of the Separate
         Account without regard to the income, capital gains or capital losses
         arising out of any other business which NYLIAC may conduct.

   3.    The Annuity Contracts have been duly authorized by NYLIAC and, when
         sold in jurisdictions authorizing such sales, in accordance with the
         Registration Statement, will constitute validly issued and binding
         obligations of NYLIAC in accordance with their terms.

   4.    Each owner of an Annuity Contract will not be subject to any
         deductions, charges, or assessments imposed by NYLIAC other than those
         provided in the Annuity Contract.


I consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.


                                                   Very truly yours,

                                                   /s/Robert J. Hebron
                                                   -------------------------
                                                   Robert J. Hebron
                                                   Vice President and
                                                   Associate General Counsel























<PAGE>   1












                                 Exhibit (10)(a)

                        Consent of Price Waterhouse, LLP





































<PAGE>   2




                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We hereby consent to the use in the Statement of Additional Information
constituting part of this Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the registration
statement on Form N-4 (the "Registration Statement") of our report dated April
16, 1997, relating to the financial statements of New York Life Insurance and
Annuity Corporation, and of our report dated February 19, 1997, relating to the
financial statements and selected per unit data of New York Life Insurance and
Annuity Corporation Variable Annuity Separate Account-III (formerly known as the
New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation LifeStages Annuity Separate
Account), which appear in such Statement of Additional Information, and to the
incorporation by reference of our reports into the Prospectus which constitutes
part of this Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us
under the heading "Independent Accountants" in such Statement of Additional
Information and to the reference to us under the heading "Condensed Financial
Information" in such Prospectus.




PRICE WATERHOUSE, LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York
April 16, 1997
















<PAGE>   3
                                  Exhibit (14)

                             Financial Data Schedule


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  01
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP CAPITAL
APPRECIATION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       88,898,113
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      97,022,945
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        97,022,945
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              97,022,945
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       305,195
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,195
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            305,195
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    89,434,408
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        6,949,364
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          951,325
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                    (646,657)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        110,130
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     8,124,832
<NET-ASSETS>                                96,717,750
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               61,695
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 734,713
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      (664,387)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        82,133
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    7,874,228
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,283,343
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       5,998,039
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         17,730
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       27,997
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  02
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP CASH
MANAGEMENT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       34,862,927
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      34,862,901
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        34,862,901
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              34,862,901
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       108,803
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      108,803
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            108,803
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    33,943,976
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       32,708,991
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       13,190,133
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      896,674
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          (280)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                          (27)
<NET-ASSETS>                                34,754,098
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,135,615
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 325,246
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        810,638
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         (220)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                         (27)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          810,122
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      19,518,859
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         86,036
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                         (60)
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  03
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP CONVERTIBLE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       12,718,635
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      12,976,783
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        12,976,783
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              12,976,783
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        39,567
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       39,567
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             39,567
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    12,565,537
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        1,249,710
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,554
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         22,582
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       258,148
<NET-ASSETS>                                12,937,216
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              153,046
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  39,567
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         91,554
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            51
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      258,148
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          371,678
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,249,710
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  04 
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP GOVERNMENT
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        9,406,648
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       9,142,457
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         9,142,457
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               9,142,457
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        29,443
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       29,443
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             29,443
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     8,906,101
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          855,087
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          177,665
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      615,890
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                      (103,251)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (264,191)
<NET-ASSETS>                                 9,113,014
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              573,541
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  84,169
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        490,076
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     (104,689)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    (177,770)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          206,913
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         677,421
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        125,814
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        1,438
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  05
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP HIGH YIELD
CORPORATE BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       81,183,175
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      82,084,890
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        82,084,890
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              82,084,890
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       242,519
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      242,519
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            242,519
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    76,408,934
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        6,539,273
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          647,997
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                    3,552,196
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                      1,139,011
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       901,714
<NET-ASSETS>                                81,842,370
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            4,905,053
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 549,910
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,322,050
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        44,243
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,034,049
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,433,436
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       5,891,276
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        230,146
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                       49,707
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  06
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP INTERNATIONAL
EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        8,238,059
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       8,249,664
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         8,249,664
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               8,249,664
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        27,294
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       27,294
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             27,294
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     7,832,540
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          688,091
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           66,642
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      370,850
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         45,091
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        11,605
<NET-ASSETS>                                 8,222,370
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              411,666
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  63,532
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        338,759
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        31,286
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       10,409
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          389,830
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         621,450
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         32,091
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        3,127
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER> 07
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP TOTAL RETURN
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       61,939,654
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      64,901,856
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        64,901,856
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              64,901,856
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       210,212
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      210,212
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            210,212
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    60,869,132
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        5,154,404
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          664,961
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      956,267
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         73,678
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,962,202
<NET-ASSETS>                                64,691,644
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,305,132
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 514,272
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        796,765
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        67,663
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    2,963,990
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        3,822,512
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       4,489,442
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        159,502
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        6,015
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  08 
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP VALUE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       42,200,894
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      46,605,230
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        46,605,230
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              46,605,230
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       146,702
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      146,702
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            146,702
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    41,302,521
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        3,377,264
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          431,785
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      242,468
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        692,930
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     4,404,336
<NET-ASSETS>                                46,458,528
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,167,593
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 341,388
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        214,224
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        62,057
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    4,267,746
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,156,007
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,945,479
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         28,244
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        9,613
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  09
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP BOND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       13,158,639
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      12,727,022
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        12,727,022
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              12,727,022
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        41,442
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       41,442
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             41,442
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    12,369,453
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        1,192,662
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          172,659
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      814,547
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       (21,125)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (431,616)
<NET-ASSETS>                                12,685,581
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              812,105
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 105,384
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        707,637
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                      (22,130)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    (368,463)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          316,128
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       1,020,002
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        106,909
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        1,005
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  10
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP GROWTH EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       33,129,480
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      32,001,863
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        32,001,863
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              32,001,863
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                        98,411
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                       98,411
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                             98,411
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    28,907,984
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        2,276,392
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          241,119
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       80,053
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                      4,130,300
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,127,617)
<NET-ASSETS>                                31,903,452
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            4,169,077
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 219,187
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         55,492
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         2,362
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    (956,785)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        2,995,467
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       2,035,273
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         24,561
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      228,349
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  11
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MAINSTAY VP INDEXED
EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       56,034,169
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      60,653,499
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                        60,653,499
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              60,653,499
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                       186,484
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      186,484
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                            186,484
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    54,662,497
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        4,327,291
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          358,149
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      529,662
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        816,818
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     4,619,330
<NET-ASSETS>                                60,467,015
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                            1,516,036
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                 404,067
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        461,929
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        33,843
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    4,658,706
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,804,519
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       3,969,142
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         67,733
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      122,481
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  12
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; CALVERT SOCIALLY
RESPONSIBLE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        1,550,034
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,532,401
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,532,401
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,532,401
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         4,653
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        4,653
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              4,653
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     1,429,883
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          122,592
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           16,669
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       33,049
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                         89,293
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                      (17,633)
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,527,748
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                              113,908
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                  10,760
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         22,319
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         2,650
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (7,934)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           97,865
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         105,923
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         10,729
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                        5,629
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND
NOTES THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  13
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; ALGER AMERICAN SMALL 
CAPITALIZATION
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        1,199,953
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,197,453
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,197,453
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,197,453
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,356
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,356
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              1,356
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     1,200,256
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          125,006
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      (1,352)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          (303)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       (2,501)
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,196,097
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,356
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        (1,352)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         (303)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (2,501)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (4,159)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         125,006
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS  SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  14
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; FIDELITY VIP II:
CONTRAFUND
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,523,704
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       2,559,897
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         2,559,897
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,559,897
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         3,158
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        3,158
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              3,158
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     2,523,704
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          240,533
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      (3,115)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        36,193
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,556,739
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   3,158
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        (3,115)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       36,193
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           33,035
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         240,533
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  15
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; FIDELITY VIP EQUITY
INCOME
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        1,562,623
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,562,256
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,562,256
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,562,256
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,503
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,503
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              1,503
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     1,562,623
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          149,389
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      (1,504)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         (367)
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,560,753
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,503
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                        (1,504)
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                             0
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        (367)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                          (1,871)
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         149,389
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  16
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; JANUS ASPEN BALANCED
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        1,287,386
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       1,285,853
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,285,853
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               1,285,853
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         1,465
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        1,465
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              1,465
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     1,275,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          125,480
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       10,653
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                             37
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       (1,534)
<NET-ASSETS>                                 1,284,388
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               12,075
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   1,465
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                         10,653
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                            37
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      (1,534)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                            9,114
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         125,480
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  17
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; JANUS ASPEN WORLDWIDE
GROWTH 
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                        2,764,977
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                       2,792,790
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         2,792,790
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,792,790
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                         2,761
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                        2,761
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                              2,761
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                     2,752,603
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          269,333
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                        9,652
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                            (2)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                        27,813
<NET-ASSETS>                                 2,790,029
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                               12,376
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                   2,761
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                          9,652
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                           (2)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                       27,813
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           37,426
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                         269,333
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM NYLIAC
VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO AND
IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES
THERETO.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
  <NUMBER>  18
  <NAME> NYLIAC VARIABLE ANNUITY SEPARATE ACCOUNT-III; MORGAN STANLEY EMERGING
MARKETS EQUITY
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                          792,164
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                         801,791
<RECEIVABLES>                                        0
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                       0
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           801,791
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 801,791
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                           758
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                          758
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                                758
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                       791,012
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           80,108
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                          573
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                          (172)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                         9,627
<NET-ASSETS>                                   801,033
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                1,324
<INTEREST-INCOME>                                    0
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                                     758
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                            573
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                         (172)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                        9,627
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                           10,022
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                            0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                              0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  0
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                          80,108
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                                0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                      0
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                                0
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                      0
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                              0
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                                  0
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                      0
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        

</TABLE>


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