N-CSR 1 d556151dncsr.htm FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FUNDS FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST FUNDS

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

 

FORM N-CSR

 

 

CERTIFIED SHAREHOLDER REPORT OF REGISTERED

MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES

Investment Company Act file number 811-04149

 

 

Franklin Tax-Free Trust

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

 

One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

 

Craig S. Tyle, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

(Name and address of agent for service)

 

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (650) 312-2000

Date of fiscal year end: 2/28

Date of reporting period: 02/28/18

 

 

 


Item 1. Reports to Stockholders.

 

2


LOGO      

Annual Report

and Shareholder Letter

 

February 28, 2018

 

LOGO

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

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Franklin Templeton Investments

Why choose Franklin Templeton Investments?

Successful investing begins with ambition. And achievement only comes when you reach for it. That’s why we continually strive to deliver better outcomes for investors. No matter what your goals are, our deep, global investment expertise allows us to offer solutions that can help.

During our more than 70 years of experience, we’ve managed through all kinds of markets—up, down and those in between. We’re always preparing for what may come next. It’s because of this, combined with our strength as one of the world’s largest asset managers that we’ve earned the trust of millions of investors around the world.

 

 

 

Dear Shareholder:

 

The 12 months ended February 28, 2018, benefited from mostly upbeat economic data as the US job market continued to improve and the unemployment rate declined. Accordingly, the US Federal Reserve (Fed) increased its target range for the federal funds rate a quarter point to 1.25%–1.50% at its past December meeting.

During the period, the municipal bond market posted modest performance similar to other US fixed income classes, with generally higher returns for longer term and lower rated municipal bonds. Factors contributing to this positive investment environment for municipals included consistently low inflation and relatively steady interest rates, stagnant wage growth and geopolitical concerns. Federal government fiscal reform uncertainty also benefited tax-free municipals during most of the period, despite some volatility toward period-end in reaction to the government’s tax code revision efforts.

Shortly after the end of the reporting period, the Fed, under new chairman Jerome Powell, raised the federal funds rate

another quarter point to a range of 1.50%-1.75%. The Fed based its decision on a stronger economic outlook in recent months.

In addition, Franklin Tax Free Trust’s annual report includes more detail about municipal bond market conditions and a discussion from the portfolio managers. On our website, franklintempleton.com, you can find updated commentary by our municipal bond experts. Municipal bonds can provide tax-free income and diversification from equities. Despite periods of volatility, municipal bonds historically have had a solid long-term record of performance, driven mostly by their income component. Please remember all securities markets fluctuate, as do mutual fund share prices.

As always, we recommend investors consult their financial advisors to help them make the best decisions for the long term. In a constantly changing market environment, we remain committed to our disciplined strategy as we manage the Fund, keeping in mind the trust you have placed in us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Not FDIC Insured  |    May Lose Value  |    No Bank  Guarantee

 

 

franklintempleton.com

  

 

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We appreciate your confidence in us and encourage you to contact us when you have questions about your Franklin Templeton tax-free investment.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

Chairman

Franklin Tax-Free Trust

 

LOGO

Sheila Amoroso

 

LOGO

Rafael R. Costas Jr.

Senior Vice Presidents and Co-Directors

Franklin Municipal Bond Department

This letter reflects our analysis and opinions as of February 28, 2018, unless otherwise indicated. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable.

 

 

Contents

 

Annual Report

 
Municipal Bond Market Overview     3  
Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion     5  
Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund     6  
Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund     14  
Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund     20  
Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund     26  
Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund     33  
Financial Highlights and Statements of Investments     40  
Financial Statements     118  

Notes to Financial Statements

    126  
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm     141  
Tax Information     142  
Special Meeting of Shareholders     143  
Board Members and Officers     147  
Shareholder Information     152  

 

 

Visit franklintempleton.com for fund updates, to access your account, or to find helpful financial planning tools.

 

 

 

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Annual Report

Municipal Bond Market Overview

 

The municipal bond market outperformed the US Treasury market but underperformed US stock markets during the 12-month period ended February 28, 2018. Investment-grade municipal bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, generated a +2.50% total return for the period, while US Treasuries, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays US Treasury Index, had a -0.56% total return.1 Both high-yield corporate bonds and high-yield municipal bonds outperformed their investment-grade counterparts. US stocks, as represented by the Standard & Poor’s® 500 Index, outperformed both municipals and US Treasuries with a +17.10% total return for the reporting period.1 US stocks generated strong returns through the first eleven months of the reporting period, but experienced a significant bout of volatility in early February that led to losses in that month and dragged down overall returns. Recent indications of stronger inflation and rising interest rates contributed to the volatility in stock markets and also drove losses in both the municipal bond market and US Treasury market during the first two months of 2018.

Municipal issuance during the reporting period totaled $414 billion.2 This represents an almost 8% decline from total issuance in the previous 12-month period ended February 28, 2017.2 Subdued issuance at the beginning of 2018 largely contributed to this decline, with only $37 billion issued thus far in 2018 (down 38% from the first two months of 2017).2 After accounting for redemptions (bonds that matured or were called out of the market), net issuance stood at $64 billion in 2017, which marked a third consecutive year of positive net issuance.3 However, net issuance turned negative in the first two months of 2018, standing at -$19 billion at period-end.3 According to the Investment Company Institute Trends in Mutual Fund Investing, municipal bond funds reported inflows for 10 of the 12 months of the reporting period, with the only negative flows occurring in December 2017 and February 2018. The total inflows for the period were approximately $28 billion.4

Impending tax reform contained potential implications for the municipal bond market and caused a deluge of supply in December, as issuers rushed to market before the end of the 2017. December supply of $63 billion and fourth-quarter 2017

supply of $145 billion eclipsed previous monthly and quarterly records of municipal bond issuance, respectively.2 Despite this extraordinary supply weighing on the market, strong demand buoyed returns through the end of the 2017. However, diminished issuance, heavy dealer inventories and selling pressures in 2018 led municipals to have a -1.47% total return during the first two months of 2018, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, although it still performed better than the -2.10% total return for US Treasuries during the same period, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays US Treasury Index.1

The Federal Reserve (Fed) raised its target range for the federal funds rate 0.25% at its December 2017 meeting. The target range stood at 1.25%–1.50% at period-end. The Fed also increased the discount rate 0.25% to 2.00% in December. The Fed decided to raise interest rates at its December meeting due to the strength of the US jobs market and continued economic growth. This was the third rate hike of 2017, following increases of 0.25% in March and June.

Jerome Powell spoke before Congress for the first time as Fed Chair after succeeding Janet Yellen in that role. He indicated that the Fed saw signs of a continued strong labor market and economic growth. He reiterated the Fed’s intention to gradually raise interest rates in an effort to keep the economy from overheating as inflation increases toward the Fed’s 2% target. He noted that there was no evidence of the economy overheating and that he had yet to see a clear move upward in wages.

Investors continued to favor risky assets through most of the period. Municipal bonds with longer maturities generally performed better than bonds with shorter maturities, and high yield tax-exempt bonds outperformed their investment-grade counterparts. The Bloomberg Barclays High Yield Municipal Bond Index generated a +4.74% total return for the period and the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Long Bond (22+ Years) Index returned +4.30% during the 12-month reporting period.1

Several developments affected Puerto Rico bonds over the reporting period. Please visit

 

 

1. Source: Morningstar. Treasuries, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and a fixed principal value; their interest payments and principal are guaranteed.

2. Source: The Bond Buyer, Thomson Reuters.

3. Source: Barclays Municipal Credit Research.

4. Source: Investment Company Institute, Trends in Mutual Fund Investing February 2018, 3/28/18.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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MUNICIPAL BOND MARKET OVERVIEW

    

 

franklintempleton.com/investor/products/fund-resources/puerto-rico for the latest Puerto Rico updates from Franklin Templeton.

At period-end, we maintained our positive view of the municipal bond market. We believe municipal bonds continue to be an attractive asset class among fixed income securities, and we intend to follow our solid discipline of investing to maximize income, while seeking value in the municipal bond market.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion

 

Investment Strategy

We use a consistent, disciplined strategy with the objective of maximizing tax-free income and capital preservation by focusing on credit selection. We seek to maintain exposure to higher coupon securities, while balancing risk and return within each Fund’s range of allowable investments. We do not purchase high yield securities in our investment-grade funds, however if a security is downgraded we are not required to sell it. Our security selection process includes purchasing securities that we believe are undervalued in the market and which have met our credit selection criteria. We do not use leverage or derivatives, which could add volatility and contribute to underperformance in adverse markets.

Manager’s Discussion

Due to the positive sloping municipal yield curve, we found value in higher quality securities in the 15–30 year maturity range for the long-term funds, 10 to 15 years for the intermediate-term fund, and five years or less for the limited-term fund, which allowed us to achieve our objective of maximizing income for our investors. Typically, in declining rate environments, our turnover declines as we maintain exposure to securities that are producing income that exceeds their replacement value in the market. However, when rates rise, our turnover increases as opportunities to purchase securities that have the potential to increase income in the portfolios become available. We believe our consistent, disciplined strategy can help our investors achieve high, tax-free income over the long term.

We invite you to read your Fund report for more detailed performance and portfolio information. Thank you for your participation in Franklin Tax-Free Trust. We look forward to serving your future investment needs.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of income exempt from federal income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management and preservation of capital by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities that pay interest free from such taxes.1 The Fund maintains a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity (the time in which the debt must be repaid) of three to 10 years.

Credit Quality Composition*

2/28/18

 

Ratings  

% of Total

Investments

 

AAA

    18.12%  
         

AA

    59.28%  
         

A

    12.50%  
         

BBB

    1.25%  
         

Refunded

    7.99%  
         

Not Rated

    0.86%  
         

*Securities, except for those labeled Not Rated, are assigned ratings by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Credit Rating Organizations (NRSROs), such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, that can be considered by the investment manager as part of its independent securities analysis. When ratings from multiple agencies are available, the highest is used, consistent with the portfolio investment process. Ratings reflect an NRSRO’s opinion of an issuer’s creditworthiness and typically range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). The Below Investment Grade category consists of bonds rated below BBB-. The Refunded category generally consists of refunded bonds secured by US government or other high-quality securities and not rerated by an NRSRO. The Not Rated category consists of ratable securities that have not been rated by an NRSRO. Cash and equivalents are excluded from this composition.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A share price, as measured by net asset value, decreased from $12.11 on February 28, 2017, to $11.94 on February 28, 2018. The Fund’s Class A shares paid dividends totaling 30.99 cents per share for the reporting period.2 The Performance Summary beginning on page 8 shows that at the end of this reporting period the Fund’s Class A shares’ distribution rate was 2.55%, based on an annualization of the

Dividend Distributions*

3/1/17–2/28/18

 

    Dividend per Share (cents)  
Month   Class A      Class C      Class R6**      Advisor
Class
 

March

    2.56        2.00               2.66  
                                    

April

    2.56        2.00               2.66  
                                    

May

    2.56        2.00               2.66  
                                    

June

    2.59        2.03               2.69  
                                    

July

    2.59        2.03               2.69  
                                    

August

    2.59        2.03        2.67        2.69  
                                    

September

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

October

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

November

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

December

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

January

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

February

    2.59        2.03        2.76        2.69  
                                    

Total

    30.99        24.27        19.23        32.19  
                                    

*The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 8/1/17, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares. See the prospectus for details.

2.59 cent per share February dividend and the maximum offering price of $12.21 on February 28, 2018. An investor in the 2018 maximum federal income tax bracket of 40.80% (including 3.80% Medicare tax) would need to earn a distribution rate of 4.31% from a taxable investment to match the Fund’s Class A tax-free distribution rate. For other performance data, please see the Performance Summary.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

 

 

1. Dividends are generally subject to state and local taxes, if any. For investors subject to alternative minimum tax, a small portion of Fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. To avoid imposition of 28% backup withholding on all Fund distributions and redemption proceeds, US investors must be properly certified on Form W-9 and non-US investors on Form W-8BEN.

2. The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 44.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

 

Manager’s Discussion

We used various investment strategies during the 12 months under review as we sought to maximize tax-free income for shareholders. Please read the Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion on page 5 for more information.

Portfolio Composition

2/28/18

 

     

% of Total

Investments

 

Utilities

    23.0%  
         

General Obligation

    19.3%  
         

Refunded**

    14.3%  
         

Transportation

    13.8%  
         

Subject to Government Appropriations

    9.8%  
         

Tax-Supported

    7.3%  
         

Hospital & Health Care

    5.8%  
         

Higher Education

    5.7%  
         

Other Revenue

    1.0%  
         

*Does not include cash and cash equivalents.

**Includes all refunded bonds; the percentage may differ from that in the Credit Quality Composition.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund. We believe our conservative, buy-and-hold investment strategy can help us achieve high, current, tax-free income for shareholders.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018

The performance tables and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 2/28/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 2.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 2.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    

Cumulative

Total Return

 

2 

   
                Average Annual
Total Return
 
3  

A

   

1-Year

    +1.14%       -1.15%  
                 

5-Year

    +7.90%       +1.07%  
                 

10-Year

    +46.09%       +3.63%  
                 

Advisor4

   

1-Year

    +1.32%       +1.32%  
                 

5-Year

    +8.50%       +1.65%  
                 

10-Year

    +47.71%       +3.98%  
                 

 

                                        Taxable Equivalent  
    Distribution       Taxable Equivalent           30 Day Standardized Yield7           30-Day Standardized  Yield6  
Share Class     Rate 5       Distribution Rate 6              (with waiver)           (without waiver)               (with waiver)           (without waiver)  

A

    2.55%       4.31%         1.57%       1.45%         2.65%       2.45%  
                                                                 

Advisor

    2.70%       4.56%         1.71%       1.58%         2.89%       2.67%  
                                                                 

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 11 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

See page 11 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Net Asset Value    

 

Share Class (Symbol)   2/28/18                              8/1/17                                      2/28/17                                      Change  

A (FKITX)

    $11.94       N/A       $12.11       -$0.17  
                                 

C (FCITX)

    $11.98       N/A       $12.14       -$0.16  
                                 

R6 (FITQX)

    $11.97       $12.28       N/A       -$0.31  
                                 

Advisor (FITZX)

    $11.97       N/A       $12.13       -$0.16  
                                 
Distributions (3/1/17–2/28/18)        
Share Class   Net Investment
Income
                   

A

    $0.3099        
               

C

    $0.2427        
               

R6 (8/1/17–2/28/18)

    $0.1923        
               

Advisor

    $0.3219        
               
Total Annual Operating Expenses10  
Share Class   With Waiver                 Without Waiver              

A

    0.56%       0.66%      
                     

Advisor

    0.46%       0.56%      
                     

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because municipal bonds are sensitive to interest rate movements, the Fund’s yield and share price will fluctuate with market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. The Fund may invest a significant part of its assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects, such as utilities, hospitals, higher education and transportation. A change that affects one project would likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing market risk. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction contractually guaranteed through 6/30/19. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction; without this reduction, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Effective 12/1/08, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 12/1/08, a restated figure is used based upon the Fund’s Class A performance, excluding the effect of Class A’s maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 12/1/08, actual Advisor Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that class. Since 12/1/08 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual total returns of Advisor Class shares were +49.71% and +4.46%.

5. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s February dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 2/28/18.

6. Taxable equivalent distribution rate and yield assume the 2018 maximum federal income tax rate of 37.00% plus 3.80% Medicare tax.

7. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

8. Source: Morningstar. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index: 10-Year Component is the 10-year (8-12) component of the Municipal Bond Index, which is a market value-weighted index engineered for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. To be included in the index, bonds must be fixed rate, have at least one year to final maturity and be rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) by at least two of the following agencies: Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.

9. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/cpi. The Consumer Price Index is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.

10. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

           

Actual

      Hypothetical        
            (actual return after expenses)       (5% annual return before expenses)        
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/17              Value 2/28/18  

9/1/17–2/28/181,2

             Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2              Ratio2
A   $1,000     $983.30   $3.25     $1,021.52   $3.31     0.66%
C   $1,000     $981.40   $5.94     $1,018.79   $6.06     1.21%
R6   $1,000     $984.10   $2.36     $1,022.41   $2.41     0.48%
Advisor   $1,000     $983.80   $2.75     $1,022.02   $2.81     0.56%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL INTERMEDIATE-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

YOUR FUND’S EXPENSES

    

    

 

There were decreases in Fund expenses that occurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal half-year that affected the information in the expense table above. The table below reflects Fund expenses had those changes been in place throughout the entire most recent fiscal half-year.

 

           

Actual

      Hypothetical        
            (actual return after expenses)       (5% annual return before expenses)        
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/17              Value 2/28/18  

9/1/17–2/28/181,2

             Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2              Ratio2
A   $1,000     $983.30   $2.75     $1,022.02   $2.81     0.56%
C   $1,000     $981.40   $5.45     $1,019.29   $5.56     1.11%
R6   $1,000     $984.10   $1.92     $1,022.86   $1.96     0.39%
Advisor   $1,000     $983.80   $2.26     $1,022.51   $2.31     0.46%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—as if it has been in effect throughout the entire six-month period, multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

 

 

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13


Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of income exempt from federal income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management and preservation of capital by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities that pay interest free from such taxes.1 The Fund maintains a dollar-weighted average portfolio maturity (the time in which the debt must be repaid) of five years or less.

Credit Quality Composition*

2/28/18

 

Ratings   % of Total
Investments
 

AAA

    30.65%  
         

AA

    46.87%  
         

A

    14.66%  
         

Refunded

    3.07%  
         

SP-1

    2.60%  
         

Not Rated

    0.67%  
         

*Securities, except for those labeled Not Rated, are assigned ratings by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Credit Rating Organizations (NRSROs), such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, that can be considered by the investment manager as part of its independent securities analysis. When ratings from multiple agencies are available, the highest is used, consistent with the portfolio investment process. Ratings reflect an NRSRO’s opinion of an issuer’s creditworthiness and typically range from SP-1 (highest) to SP-3 (lowest) for short-term bonds and from AAA (highest) to D (lowest) for long-term bonds. The Below Investment Grade category consists of bonds rated below BBB-. The Refunded category generally consists of refunded bonds secured by US government or other high-quality securities and not rerated by an NRSRO. The Not Rated category consists of ratable securities that have not been rated by an NRSRO. Cash and equivalents are excluded from this breakdown.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A share price, as measured by net asset value, decreased from $10.37 on February 28, 2017, to $10.29 on February 28, 2018. The Fund’s Class A shares paid dividends totaling 8.12 cents per share for the reporting period.2 The Performance Summary beginning on page 16 shows that at the end of this reporting period the Fund’s Class A shares’ distribution rate was 0.88%, based on an annualization of the

Dividend Distributions*

3/1/17–2/28/18

 

    Dividend per Share (cents)  
Month   Class A      Class R6**      Advisor
Class
 

March

    0.70               0.83  
                           

April

    0.70               0.83  
                           

May

    0.70               0.83  
                           

June

    0.70               0.83  
                           

July

    0.70               0.83  
                           

August

    0.70        0.83        0.83  
                           

September

    0.62        0.78        0.75  
                           

October

    0.62        0.78        0.75  
                           

November

    0.62        0.78        0.75  
                           

December

    0.62        0.77        0.74  
                           

January

    0.67        0.82        0.79  
                           

February

    0.77        0.92        0.89  
                           

Total

    8.12        5.68        9.65  
                           

*The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 8/1/17, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares. See the prospectus for details.

0.77 cent per share February dividend and the maximum offering price of $10.53 on February 28, 2018. An investor in the 2018 maximum federal income tax bracket of 40.80% (including 3.80% Medicare tax) would need to earn a distribution rate of 1.49% from a taxable investment to match the Fund’s Class A tax-free distribution rate. For other performance data, please see the Performance Summary.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

 

 

1. Dividends are generally subject to state and local taxes, if any. For investors subject to alternative minimum tax, a small portion of Fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. To avoid imposition of 28% backup withholding on all Fund distributions and redemption proceeds, US investors must be properly certified on Form W-9 and non-US investors on Form W-8BEN.

2. The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 66.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL LIMITED-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

 

Manager’s Discussion

We used various investment strategies during the 12 months under review as we sought to maximize tax-free income for shareholders. Please read the Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion on page 5 for more information.

Portfolio Composition

2/28/18

 

     
% of Total
Investments
 

General Obligation

    39.4%  
         

Utilities

    16.8%  
         

Refunded**

    12.2%  
         

Transportation

    10.0%  
         

Higher Education

    8.2%  
         

Subject to Government Appropriations

    4.3%  
         

Housing

    2.9%  
         

Tax-Supported

    2.2%  
         

Hospital & Health Care

    2.2%  
         

Other Revenue

    1.8%  
         

*Does not include cash and cash equivalents.

**Includes all refunded bonds; the percentage may differ from that in the Credit Quality Composition.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund. We believe our conservative, buy-and-hold investment strategy can help us achieve high, current, tax-free income for shareholders.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

 

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15


FRANKLIN FEDERAL LIMITED-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018

The performance tables and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 2/28/181

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 2.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 2.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    
Cumulative
Total Return
 
2 
   
                Average Annual
Total Return
 
3  

A

   

1-Year

    +0.01%       -2.25%  
                 

5-Year

    +2.13%       -0.03%  
                 

10-Year

    +20.61%       +1.66%  
                 

Advisor4

   

1-Year

    +0.16%       +0.16%  
                 

5-Year

    +2.99%       +0.59%  
                 

10-Year

    +21.88%       +2.00%  
                 

 

                                        Taxable Equivalent  
    Distribution       Taxable Equivalent           30 Day Standardized Yield7           30-Day Standardized Yield6  
Share Class     Rate 5       Distribution Rate 6              (with waiver)           (without waiver)               (with waiver)           (without waiver)  

A

    0.88%       1.49%         1.16%       1.01%         1.96%       1.71%  
                                                                 

Advisor

    1.04%       1.76%         1.32%       1.17%         2.23%       1.98%  
                                                                 

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 18 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL LIMITED-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment1

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

LOGO

See page 18 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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17


FRANKLIN FEDERAL LIMITED-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)   2/28/18                              8/1/17                                      2/28/17                                      Change  

A (FFTFX)

    $10.29       N/A       $10.37       -$0.08  
                                 

R6 (FFTRX)

    $10.28       $10.37       N/A       -$0.09  
                                 

Advisor (FTFZX)

    $10.29       N/A       $10.37       -$0.08  
                                 
Distributions (3/1/17–2/28/18)        
Share Class   Net Investment
Income
                   

A

    $0.0812        
               

R6 (8/1/17–2/28/18)

    $0.0568        
               

Advisor

    $0.0965        
               
Total Annual Operating Expenses10    
Share Class   With Waiver                 Without Waiver              

A

    0.55%       0.70%      
                     

Advisor

    0.40%       0.55%      
                     

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because municipal bonds are sensitive to interest rate movements, the Fund’s yield and share price will fluctuate with market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. The Fund may invest a significant part of its assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects, such as utilities, hospitals, higher education and transportation. A change that affects one project would likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing market risk. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. The Fund has an expense reduction contractually guaranteed through 6/30/19. Fund investment results reflect the expense reduction; without this reduction, the results would have been lower.

2. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

3. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

4. Effective 2/1/11, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 2/1/11, a restated figure is used based upon the Fund’s Class A performance, excluding the effect of Class A’s maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 2/1/11, actual Advisor Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that class. Since 2/1/11 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual total return of Advisor Class shares were +10.09% and +1.37%.

5. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s February dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 2/28/18.

6. Taxable equivalent distribution rate and yield assume the 2018 maximum federal income tax rate of 37.00% plus 3.80% Medicare tax.

7. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

8. Source: Morningstar. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index: 5-Year Component is the 5-year (4-6) component of the Municipal Bond Index, which is a market value-weighted index engineered for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. To be included in the index, bonds must be fixed rate, have at least one year to final maturity and be rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) by at least two of the following agencies: Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.

9. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/cpi. The Consumer Price Index is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.

10. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN FEDERAL LIMITED-TERM TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

            Actual       Hypothetical        
            (actual return after expenses)       (5% annual return before expenses)        
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/17                Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2                Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2                Ratio2
A   $1,000     $994.10   $3.07     $1,021.72   $3.11     0.62%
R6   $1,000     $995.00   $2.13     $1,022.66   $2.16     0.43%
Advisor   $1,000     $995.80   $2.33     $1,022.46   $2.36     0.47%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements.

 

 

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19


Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to provide a high current yield exempt from federal income taxes by investing at least 80% of its net assets in securities that pay interest free from such taxes.1 Its secondary goal is capital appreciation to the extent possible and consistent with the Fund’s principal investment goal.

Credit Quality Composition*

2/28/18

 

Ratings   % of Total
Investments
 

AAA

    7.14%  
         

AA

    17.56%  
         

A

    25.77%  
         

BBB

    18.97%  
         

Below Investment Grade

    10.44%  
         

Refunded

    10.90%  
         

Not Rated

    9.22%  
         

*Securities, except for those labeled Not Rated, are assigned ratings by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Credit Rating Organizations (NRSROs), such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, that can be considered by the investment manager as part of its independent securities analysis. When ratings from multiple agencies are available, the highest is used, consistent with the portfolio investment process. Ratings reflect an NRSRO’s opinion of an issuer’s creditworthiness and typically range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). The Below Investment Grade category consists of bonds rated below BBB-. The Refunded category generally consists of refunded bonds secured by US government or other high-quality securities and not rerated by an NRSRO. The Not Rated category consists of ratable securities that have not been rated by an NRSRO. Cash and equivalents are excluded from this composition.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A share price, as measured by net asset value, decreased from $10.25 on February 28, 2017, to $9.94 on February 28, 2018. The Fund’s Class A shares paid dividends totaling 44.49 cents per share for the reporting period.2 The Performance Summary beginning on page 22 shows that at the end of this reporting period the Fund’s Class A shares’ distribution rate was 4.18%, based on an annualization of the 3.62 cent per share February dividend and the maximum

Dividend Distributions*

3/1/17–2/28/18

    

Dividend per Share (cents)

 
Month    Class A      Class M**      Class C      Class R6***      Advisor
Class
 

March

     3.87               3.39               3.95  
                                              

April

     3.87               3.39               3.95  
                                              

May

     3.82               3.34               3.90  
                                              

June

     3.77               3.28               3.85  
                                              

July

     3.72               3.23               3.80  
                                              

August

     3.67               3.18        3.67        3.75  
                                              

September

     3.67               3.18        3.79        3.75  
                                              

October

     3.62               3.13        3.74        3.70  
                                              

November

     3.62               3.13        3.74        3.70  
                                              

December

     3.62               3.14        3.73        3.70  
                                              

January

     3.62        0.67        3.14        3.73        3.70  
                                              

February

     3.62        3.49        3.14        3.73        3.70  
                                              

Total

     44.49        4.16        38.67        26.13        45.45  
                                              

*The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 1/25/18, the Fund began offering Class M shares. See the prospectus for details.

***Effective 8/1/17, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares. See the prospectus for details.

offering price of $10.38 on February 28, 2018. An investor in the 2018 maximum federal income tax bracket of 40.80% (including 3.80% Medicare tax) would need to earn a distribution rate of 7.06% from a taxable investment to match the Fund’s Class A tax-free distribution rate. For other performance data, please see the Performance Summary. Dividend distributions were affected by low interest rates during the period. This and other factors resulted in reduced income for the portfolio and caused dividends to be lower at the end of the period.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell

 

 

1. Dividends are generally subject to state and local taxes, if any. For investors subject to alternative minimum tax, a small portion of Fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. To avoid imposition of 28% backup withholding on all Fund distributions and redemption proceeds, US investors must be properly certified on Form W-9 and non-US investors on Form W-8BEN

2. The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 79.

 

 

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FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

 

your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Manager’s Discussion

We used various investment strategies during the 12 months under review as we sought to maximize tax-free income for shareholders. Please read the Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion on page 5 for more information.

The Fund holds a very small portion of its assets in Puerto Rico bonds, which decreased in price over the period. Puerto Rico and its municipal issuers continue to experience significant financial difficulties and we continue to monitor developments affecting them.

The Fund continued to seek high, current, tax-free income for its shareholders during the reporting period. Consistent with our strategy, the Fund did not use leverage or credit derivatives to boost short-term returns, and we were careful to not overexpose the portfolio to any one credit sector.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund. We believe our conservative, buy-and-hold investment strategy can help us achieve high, current, tax-free income for shareholders.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

Portfolio Composition

2/28/18

 

     
% of Total
Investments
 

Refunded**

    19.8%  
         

Utilities

    18.7%  
         

Transportation

    16.6%  
         

Hospital & Health Care

    14.3%  
         

General Obligation

    7.7%  
         

Tax-Supported

    5.9%  
         

Other Revenue

    4.5%  
         

Subject to Government Appropriations

    4.2%  
         

Corporate-Backed

    4.1%  
         

Higher Education

    2.4%  
         

Housing

    1.8%  
         

*Does not include cash and cash equivalents.

**Includes all refunded bonds; the percentage may differ from that in the Credit Quality Composition.

 

 

 

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21


FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018

The performance tables and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 2/28/18

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    

Cumulative

Total Return


1 

   
                Average Annual
Total Return
 
2  

A

   

1-Year

    +1.30%       -2.96%  
                 

5-Year

    +12.76%       +1.54%  
                 

10-Year

    +60.85%       +4.42%  
                 

Advisor

   

1-Year

    +1.29%       +1.29%  
                 

5-Year

    +13.25%       +2.52%  
                 

10-Year

    +62.48%       +4.97%  
                 

 

Share Class     
Distribution
Rate
 
3  
   
        Taxable Equivalent
Distribution Rate
 
4  
   
30-Day
        Standardized Yield
 
5 
   
Taxable Equivalent 30-Day
Standardized Yield
 
4  

A

     4.18%       7.06%       2.39%       4.04%  
                                  

Advisor

     4.45%       7.52%       2.60%       4.39%  
                                  

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 24 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

LOGO

See page 24 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)   2/28/18                     1/25/18                          8/1/17                          2/28/17                          Change  

A (FRHIX)

    $  9.94       N/A       N/A       $10.25       -$ 0.31  
                                         

M (FHYMX)

    $  9.94       $10.06       N/A       N/A       -$ 0.12  
                                         

C (FHYIX)

    $10.13       N/A       N/A       $10.44       -$ 0.31  
                                         

R6 (FHYRX)

    $  9.98       N/A       $10.31       N/A       -$ 0.33  
                                         

Advisor (FHYVX)

    $  9.98       N/A       N/A       $10.30       -$ 0.32  
                                         
Distributions (3/1/17–2/28/18)      
Share Class   Net Investment
Income
                         

A

    $0.4449          
                 

M (1/25/18–2/28/18)

    $0.0416          
                 

C

    $0.3867          
                 

R6 (8/1/17–2/28/18)

    $0.2613          
                 

Advisor

    $0.4545          
                 
Total Annual Operating Expenses8  
Share Class                               

A

    0.64%          
                 

Advisor

    0.54%          
                 

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because municipal bonds are sensitive to interest rate movements, the Fund’s yield and share price will fluctuate with market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Investments in lower rated bonds include higher risk of default and loss of principal. The Fund holds a very small portion of its assets in Puerto Rico municipal bonds that have been impacted by recent adverse economic and market changes, which may cause the Fund’s share price to decline. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. The Fund may invest a significant part of its assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects, such as utilities, hospitals, higher education and transportation. A change that affects one project would likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing market risk. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s February dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 2/28/18.

4. Taxable equivalent distribution rate and yield assume the 2018 maximum federal income tax rate of 37.00% plus 3.80% Medicare tax.

5. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

6. Source: Morningstar. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market value-weighted index engineered for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. To be included in the index, bonds must be fixed rate, have at least one year to final maturity and be rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) by at least two of the following agencies: Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.

7. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/cpi. The Consumer Price Index is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.

8. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN HIGH YIELD TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

           

Actual

(actual return after expenses)

      Hypothetical
(5% annual return before expenses)
       
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/171       Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/182,3,4       Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/183,4       Ratio
A   $1,000       $986.10   $3.35       $1,021.42   $3.41       0.68%
M   $1,000     $992.20   $0.52     $1,022.02   $2.81     0.56%
C   $1,000     $983.60   $6.05     $1,018.70   $6.16     1.23%
R6   $1,000     $986.80   $2.66     $1,022.12   $2.71     0.54%
Advisor   $1,000     $986.60   $2.86     $1,021.92   $2.91     0.58%

1. For Classes A, C, R6 and Advisor, 9/1/17 for Actual and Hypothetical. For Class M, 1/25/18 for Actual and 9/1/17 for Hypothetical.

2. For Classes A, C, R6 and Advisor, 9/1/17–2/28/18. For Class M, 1/25/18–2/28/18.

3. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period. The multiplier is 34/365 for Actual Class M expenses to reflect the number of days since inception.

4. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements, for Class R6.

 

 

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25


Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of income exempt from federal and Massachusetts personal income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management and preservation of capital by investing at least 80% of its total assets in securities that pay interest free from such taxes.1

Credit Quality Composition*

2/28/18

 

Ratings   % of Total
Investments
 

AAA

    9.83%  
         

AA

    55.88%  
         

A

    16.76%  
         

BBB

    1.33%  
         

Refunded

    16.20%  
         

*Securities, except for those labeled Not Rated, are assigned ratings by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Credit Rating Organizations (NRSROs), such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, that can be considered by the investment manager as part of its independent securities analysis. When ratings from multiple agencies are available, the highest is used, consistent with the portfolio investment process. Ratings reflect an NRSRO’s opinion of an issuer’s creditworthiness and typically range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). The Below Investment Grade category consists of bonds rated below BBB-. The Refunded category generally consists of refunded bonds secured by US government or other high-quality securities and not rerated by an NRSRO. The Not Rated category consists of ratable securities that have not been rated by an NRSRO. Cash and equivalents are excluded from this composition.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A share price, as measured by net asset value, decreased from $11.63 on February 28, 2017, to $11.47 on February 28, 2018. The Fund’s Class A shares paid dividends totaling 35.50 cents per share for the reporting period.2 The Performance Summary beginning on page 28 shows that at the end of this reporting period the Fund’s Class A shares’ distribution rate was 2.88%, based on an annualization of the 2.88 cent per share February dividend and the maximum offering price of $11.98 on February 28, 2018. An investor in the 2018 maximum combined effective federal and Massachusetts personal income tax bracket of 45.90% (including 3.80% Medicare tax) would need to earn a

Dividend Distributions*

3/1/17–2/28/18

 

    Dividend per Share (cents)  
Month   Class A      Class C      Class R6**      Advisor
Class
 

March

    3.15        2.61               3.24  
                                    

April

    3.15        2.61               3.24  
                                    

May

    3.15        2.61               3.24  
                                    

June

    3.15        2.60               3.24  
                                    

July

    3.02        2.47               3.11  
                                    

August

    2.90        2.35        2.92        2.99  
                                    

September

    2.78        2.23        2.90        2.87  
                                    

October

    2.78        2.23        2.90        2.87  
                                    

November

    2.78        2.23        2.90        2.87  
                                    

December

    2.88        2.33        2.99        2.97  
                                    

January

    2.88        2.33        2.99        2.97  
                                    

February

    2.88        2.33        2.99        2.97  
                                    

Total

    35.50        28.93        20.59        36.58  
                                    

*The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 8/1/17, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares. See the prospectus for details.

distribution rate of 5.32% from a taxable investment to match the Fund’s Class A tax-free distribution rate. For other performance data, please see the Performance Summary. Dividend distributions were affected by low interest rates during the period. This and other factors resulted in reduced income for the portfolio and caused dividends to be lower at the end of the period.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

Commonwealth Update

Massachusetts’ economy grew for much of the 12 months under review. The commonwealth’s economy slumped early in

 

 

1. For investors subject to alternative minimum tax, a small portion of Fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. To avoid imposition of 28% backup withholding on all Fund distributions and redemption proceeds, US investors must be properly certified on Form W-9 and non-US investors on Form W-8BEN.

2. The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 106.

 

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the reporting period, but rallied in the second half. This uptick was spurred by Massachusetts’ economic fundamentals and key anchors, which center on higher education, technology and health care. The commonwealth’s unemployment rate declined from 3.9% in February 2017 to 3.5% at period-end, and was lower than the 4.1% national average.3 These positive economic developments supported home prices.

Portfolio Composition

2/28/18

 

      
% of Total
Investments
 

Higher Education

     19.2%  
          

Refunded**

     17.5%  
          

Transportation

     14.8%  
          

Tax-Supported

     12.1%  
          

General Obligation

     11.1%  
          

Hospital & Health Care

     10.2%  
          

Housing

     7.1%  
          

Utilities

     6.3%  
          

Other Revenue

     1.7%  
          

*Does not include cash and cash equivalents.

**Includes all refunded bonds; the percentage may differ from that in the Credit Quality Composition.

Massachusetts continued to operate with thin operating margins and has needed several rounds of mid-year budget adjustments over the past three years, despite a prolonged period of economic expansion and generally positive revenue trends. The commonwealth’s revenues for fiscal year (FY) 2017 (ended June 30, 2017) were below expectations, due to lower-than-expected business and income tax collections. The enacted FY 2018 budget increased funding for local aid, education, child and family welfare, substance abuse treatment, workforce training and housing without raising taxes. The budget also included a projected deposit of excess capital gains into the budget stabilization fund (BSF) with reduced reliance on one-time solutions. The governor’s budget proposal for FY 2019 kept spending in line with revenues and anticipated a deposit into the BSF. The governor’s plan would also provide for tax relief to working families and small businesses as well as spending increases for local aid, education, mental health services, child and family welfare, substance abuse treatment, workforce development and housing.

Massachusetts’ debt levels ranked among the nation’s highest, with net tax-supported debt at 9.8% of personal income and $5,983 per capita, compared with the 2.5% and $1,006 national medians, respectively.4 Independent credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded Massachusetts’ general obligation bond rating from AA+ to AA, but changed its outlook from negative to stable.5 The rating and outlook reflected S&P’s view that the commonwealth’s strong economic growth and proactive management would allow it to continue to manage its budgetary pressures amid mid-year budget shortfalls, albeit with some continued use of one-time measures to balance the budget.

Manager’s Discussion

We used various investment strategies during the 12 months under review as we sought to maximize tax-free income for shareholders. Please read the Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion on page 3 for more information.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund. We believe our conservative, buy-and-hold investment strategy can help us achieve high, current, tax-free income for shareholders.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

3. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Source: Moody’s Investors Service, State Government – US: Medians – Total State Debt Remains Essentially Flat in 2017, 5/3/17.

5. This does not indicate S&P’s rating of the Fund.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018

The performance tables and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 2/28/18

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    

Cumulative

Total Return


1 

   
                Average Annual
Total Return
 
2  

A

   

1-Year

    +1.66%       -2.69%  
                 

5-Year

    +11.48%       +1.31%  
                 

10-Year

    +48.50%       +3.58%  
                 

Advisor3

   

1-Year

    +1.84%       +1.84%  
                 

5-Year

    +12.12%       +2.32%  
                 

10-Year

    +49.89%       +4.13%  
                 

 

Share Class     
Distribution
Rate
 
4  
            
    Taxable Equivalent
Distribution Rate
 
5  
            
30-Day
    Standardized  Yield
 
6 
   
Taxable Equivalent 30-Day
Standardized Yield
 
5  

A

     2.88%          5.32%          1.84%       3.40%  
                                                    

Advisor

     3.10%          5.73%          2.02%       3.73%  
                                                    

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 31 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

LOGO

See page 31 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

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FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)   2/28/18                              8/1/17                                      2/28/17                                      Change  

A (FMISX)

    $11.47       N/A       $11.63       -$0.16  
                                 

C (FMAIX)

    $11.61       N/A       $11.77       -$0.16  
                                 

R6 (FKTMX)

    $11.48       $11.76       N/A       -$0.28  
                                 

Advisor (N/A)

    $11.48       N/A       $11.63       -$0.15  
                                 
Distributions (3/1/17–2/28/18)      
Share Class   Net Investment
Income
                   

A

    $0.3550        
               

C

    $0.2893        
               

R6 (8/1/17–2/28/18)

    $0.2059        
               

Advisor

    $0.3658        
               
Total Annual Operating Expenses9        
Share Class                         

A

    0.67%        
               

Advisor

    0.57%        
               

 

 

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FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because municipal bonds are sensitive to interest rate movements, the Fund’s yield and share price will fluctuate with market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Because the Fund invests principally in a single state, it is subject to greater risk of adverse economic and regulatory changes in that state than a geographically diversified fund. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. The Fund may invest a significant part of its assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects, such as utilities, hospitals, higher education and transportation. A change that affects one project would likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing market risk. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Effective 7/1/09, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 7/1/09, a restated figure is used based upon the Fund’s Class A performance, excluding the effect of Class A’s maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 7/1/09, actual Advisor Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that class. Since 7/1/09 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual total returns of Advisor Class shares were +42.93% and +4.21%.

4. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s February dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 2/28/18.

5. Taxable equivalent distribution rate and yield assume the published rates as of 1/15/18 for the maximum combined effective federal and Massachusetts personal income tax rate of 45.90%, based on the federal income tax rate of 37.00% plus 3.80% Medicare tax.

6. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

7. Source: Morningstar. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market value-weighted index engineered for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. To be included in the index, bonds must be fixed rate, have at least one year to final maturity and be rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) by at least two of the following agencies: Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.

8. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/cpi. The Consumer Price Index is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.

9. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN MASSACHUSETTS TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

            Actual       Hypothetical        
            (actual return after expenses)       (5% annual return before expenses)        
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/17       Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2       Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2       Ratio2
A   $1,000     $986.30   $3.45     $1,021.32   $3.51     0.70%
C   $1,000     $983.70   $6.15     $1,018.60   $6.26     1.25%
R6   $1,000     $987.70   $2.76     $1,022.02   $2.81     0.56%
Advisor   $1,000     $987.60   $2.96     $1,021.82   $3.01     0.60%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements, for Class R6.

 

 

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Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

This annual report for Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund covers the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018.

Your Fund’s Goal and Main Investments

The Fund seeks to provide as high a level of income exempt from federal and New Jersey personal income taxes as is consistent with prudent investment management and preservation of capital by investing at least 80% of its net assets in securities that pay interest free from such taxes.1

Credit Quality Composition*

2/28/18

 

Ratings  

% of Total

Investments

 

AAA

    10.64%  
         

AA

    29.00%  
         

A

    39.43%  
         

BBB

    2.60%  
         

Below Investment Grade

    1.31%  
         

Refunded

    17.02%  
         

*Securities, except for those labeled Not Rated, are assigned ratings by one or more Nationally Recognized Statistical Credit Rating Organizations (NRSROs), such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch, that can be considered by the investment manager as part of its independent securities analysis. When ratings from multiple agencies are available, the highest is used, consistent with the portfolio investment process. Ratings reflect an NRSRO’s opinion of an issuer’s creditworthiness and typically range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest). The Below Investment Grade category consists of bonds rated below BBB-. The Refunded category generally consists of refunded bonds secured by US government or other high-quality securities and not rerated by an NRSRO. The Not Rated category consists of ratable securities that have not been rated by an NRSRO. Cash and equivalents are excluded from this composition.

Performance Overview

The Fund’s Class A share price, as measured by net asset value, decreased from $11.45 on February 28, 2017, to $11.11 on February 28, 2018. The Fund’s Class A shares paid dividends totaling 41.82 cents per share for the reporting period.2 The Performance Summary beginning on page 35 shows that at the end of this reporting period the Fund’s Class A shares’ distribution rate was 3.42%, based on an annualization of the 3.31 cent per share February dividend and the maximum offering price of $11.60 on February 28, 2018. An investor in the 2018 maximum combined effective federal and New Jersey

Dividend Distributions*

3/1/17–2/28/18

 

    Dividend per Share (cents)  
Month   Class A      Class C      Class R6**      Advisor
Class
 

March

    3.70        3.16               3.79  
                                    

April

    3.75        3.21               3.84  
                                    

May

    3.80        3.26               3.89  
                                    

June

    3.80        3.27               3.89  
                                    

July

    3.60        3.07               3.69  
                                    

August

    3.31        2.78        3.32        3.40  
                                    

September

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

October

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

November

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

December

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

January

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

February

    3.31        2.78        3.43        3.40  
                                    

Total

    41.82        35.43        23.90        42.90  
                                    

*The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

**Effective 8/1/17, the Fund began offering Class R6 shares. See the prospectus for details.

personal income tax bracket of 49.77% (including 3.80% Medicare tax) would need to earn a distribution rate of 6.81% from a taxable investment to match the Fund’s Class A tax-free distribution rate. For other performance data, please see the Performance Summary. Dividend distributions were affected by low interest rates during the period. This and other factors resulted in reduced income for the portfolio and caused dividends to be lower at the end of the period.

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

 

 

1. For state personal income taxes, the 80% minimum is measured by total Fund assets. For investors subject to alternative minimum tax, a small portion of Fund dividends may be taxable. Distributions of capital gains are generally taxable. To avoid imposition of 28% backup withholding on all Fund distributions and redemption proceeds, US investors must be properly certified on Form W-9 and non-US investors on Form W-8BEN.

2. The distribution amount is the sum of all net investment income distributions for the period shown. Assumes shares were purchased and held for the entire accrual period. Since dividends accrue daily, your actual distributions will vary depending on the date you purchased your shares and any account activity. All Fund distributions will vary depending upon current market conditions, and past distributions are not indicative of future trends.

The dollar value, number of shares or principal amount, and names of all portfolio holdings are listed in the Fund’s Statement of Investments (SOI).

The SOI begins on page 113.

 

 

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33


FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

 

State Update

During the 12 months under review, New Jersey’s economy grew at a slower pace than the nation’s. The state’s unemployment rate remained unchanged from 4.6% in February 2017 to 4.6% at period-end, which was higher than the 4.1% national average.3 Despite a slight increase in homebuilding and higher home prices, the housing market continued to be a challenge to the state as the foreclosure rate remained among the nation’s highest.

Portfolio Composition

2/28/18

 

     

% of Total

Investments

 

Refunded**

    21.2%  
         

Transportation

    18.7%  
         

Higher Education

    16.0%  
         

Subject to Government Appropriations

    15.0%  
         

Hospital & Health Care

    13.7%  
         

Utilities

    6.2%  
         

Housing

    4.4%  
         

Other Revenue

    3.4%  
         

General Obligation

    1.4%  
         

*Does not include cash and cash equivalents.

**Includes all refunded bonds; the percentage may differ from that in the Credit Quality Composition.

The state’s revenue growth for fiscal year (FY) 2017 (ended June 30, 2017) was in line with the updated budget forecast, due to strengthening income tax and sales tax collections in the period’s second half. The enacted FY 2018 budget was slightly larger than the previous year’s plan, and it included the largest pension contribution in the state’s history. The state also provided a broad-based tax relief and increased pre-K to K-12 education funding, while keeping higher education spending relatively flat.

New Jersey’s debt levels ranked among the nation’s highest, with net tax-supported debt at 7.3% of personal income and $4,388 per capita, compared with the 2.5% and $1,006 national medians, respectively.4 Independent credit rating agency Moody’s Investors Service downgraded New Jersey’s general obligation debt rating from A2 to A3 with a stable outlook, based on its view of the state’s weak budgetary condition and liquidity position, structural imbalance, moderate economic growth, high debt position and growing unfunded pension

 

liability.5 These challenges were somewhat offset by New Jersey’s diverse economy and high wealth levels, as well as the governor’s broad powers to reduce expenditures. The stable outlook reflected Moody’s expectation that the state’s current rating is well-positioned, aided by solid economic performance and the expectation that any budget gaps would remain manageable. However, in the longer term, Moody’s believes that the state’s budget could be challenged by growing pension contributions amid a low revenue growth environment.

Manager’s Discussion

We used various investment strategies during the 12 months under review as we sought to maximize tax-free income for shareholders. Please read the Investment Strategy and Manager’s Discussion on page 3 for more information.

The Fund holds a very small portion of its assets in Puerto Rico bonds, which decreased in price over the period. Puerto Rico and its municipal issuers continue to experience significant financial difficulties and we continue to monitor developments affecting them.

Thank you for your continued participation in Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund. We believe our conservative, buy-and-hold investment strategy can help us achieve high, current, tax-free income for shareholders.

The foregoing information reflects our analysis, opinions and portfolio holdings as of February 28, 2018, the end of the reporting period. The way we implement our main investment strategies and the resulting portfolio holdings may change depending on factors such as market and economic conditions. These opinions may not be relied upon as investment advice or an offer for a particular security. The information is not a complete analysis of every aspect of any market, state, industry, security or the Fund. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but the investment manager makes no representation or warranty as to their completeness or accuracy. Although historical performance is no guarantee of future results, these insights may help you understand our investment management philosophy.

 

 

3. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Source: Moody’s Investors Service, State Government - US: Medians - Total State Debt Remains Essentially Flat in 2017, 5/3/17.

5. This does not indicate Moody’s rating of the Fund.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Performance Summary as of February 28, 2018

The performance tables and graphs do not reflect any taxes that a shareholder would pay on Fund dividends, capital gain distributions, if any, or any realized gains on the sale of Fund shares. Total return reflects reinvestment of the Fund’s dividends and capital gain distributions, if any, and any unrealized gains or losses. Your dividend income will vary depending on dividends or interest paid by securities in the Fund’s portfolio, adjusted for operating expenses of each class. Capital gain distributions are net profits realized from the sale of portfolio securities.

Performance as of 2/28/18

Cumulative total return excludes sales charges. Average annual total return includes maximum sales charges. Sales charges will vary depending on the size of the investment and the class of share purchased. The maximum is 4.25% and the minimum is 0%. Class A: 4.25% maximum initial sales charge; Advisor Class: no sales charges. For other share classes, visit franklintempleton.com.

 

Share Class    

Cumulative

Total Return

 

1 

   
                Average Annual
Total Return
 
2  

A

   

1-Year

    +0.68%       -3.61%  
                 

5-Year

    +6.62%       +0.41%  
                 

10-Year

    +44.99%       +3.33%  
                 

Advisor3

   

1-Year

    +0.77%       +0.77%  
                 

5-Year

    +7.14%       +1.39%  
                 

10-Year

    +46.48%       +3.89%  
                 

 

     Distribution             Taxable Equivalent     30-Day     Taxable Equivalent 30-Day  
Share Class      Rate 4      Distribution Rate 5              Standardized Yield 6      Standardized Yield 5 

A

     3.42%       6.81%       1.91%       3.80%  
                                  

Advisor

     3.67%       7.31%       2.09%       4.16%  
                                  

Performance data represent past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Current performance may differ from figures shown. For most recent month-end performance, go to franklintempleton.com or call (800) 342-5236.

See page 38 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

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FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

 

Total Return Index Comparison for a Hypothetical $10,000 Investment

Total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods shown. It includes any applicable maximum sales charge, Fund expenses, account fees and reinvested distributions. The unmanaged indexes include reinvestment of any income or distributions. They differ from the Fund in composition and do not pay management fees or expenses. One cannot invest directly in an index.

 

LOGO

See page 38 for Performance Summary footnotes.

 

 

36

 

 

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FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Net Asset Value

 

Share Class (Symbol)   2/28/18                              8/1/17                                      2/28/17                                      Change  

A (FRNJX)

    $11.11       N/A       $11.45       -$0.34  
                                 

C (FNIIX)

    $11.26       N/A       $11.60       -$0.34  
                                 

R6 (FNJRX)

    $11.12       $11.37       N/A       -$0.25  
                                 

Advisor (FNJZX)

    $11.12       N/A       $11.46       -$0.34  
                                 
Distributions (3/1/17–2/28/18)        
Share Class   Net Investment
Income
                   

A

    $0.4182        
               

C

    $0.3543        
               

R6 (8/1/17–2/28/18)

    $0.2390        
               

Advisor

    $0.4290        
               
Total Annual Operating Expenses9  
Share Class                         

A

    0.65%        
               

Advisor

    0.55%        
               

 

 

 

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37


FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

    

    

 

Each class of shares is available to certain eligible investors and has different annual fees and expenses, as described in the prospectus.

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Because municipal bonds are sensitive to interest rate movements, the Fund’s yield and share price will fluctuate with market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in the Fund adjust to a rise in interest rates, the Fund’s share price may decline. Because the Fund invests principally in a single state, it is subject to greater risk of adverse economic and regulatory changes in that state than a geographically diversified fund. The Fund holds a very small portion of its assets in Puerto Rico municipal bonds that have been impacted by recent adverse economic and market changes, which may cause the Fund’s share price to decline. Changes in the credit rating of a bond, or in the credit rating or financial strength of a bond’s issuer, insurer or guarantor, may affect the bond’s value. The Fund may invest a significant part of its assets in municipal securities that finance similar types of projects, such as utilities, hospitals, higher education and transportation. A change that affects one project would likely affect all similar projects, thereby increasing market risk. The Fund is actively managed but there is no guarantee that the manager’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. The Fund’s prospectus also includes a description of the main investment risks.

1. Cumulative total return represents the change in value of an investment over the periods indicated.

2. Average annual total return represents the average annual change in value of an investment over the periods indicated. Return for less than one year, if any, has not been annualized.

3. Effective 7/1/08, the Fund began offering Advisor Class shares, which do not have sales charges or a Rule 12b-1 plan. Performance quotations for this class reflect the following methods of calculation: (a) For periods prior to 7/1/08, a restated figure is used based upon the Fund’s Class A performance, excluding the effect of Class A’s maximum initial sales charge, but reflecting the effect of the Class A Rule 12b-1 fees; and (b) for periods after 7/1/08, actual Advisor Class performance is used reflecting all charges and fees applicable to that class. Since 7/1/08 (commencement of sales), the cumulative and average annual total returns of Advisor Class shares were +40.37% and +3.57%.

4. Distribution rate is based on an annualization of the respective class’s February dividend and the maximum offering price (NAV for Advisor Class) per share on 2/28/18.

5. Taxable equivalent distribution rate and yield assume the published rates as of 1/15/18 for the maximum combined effective federal and New Jersey personal income tax rate of 49.77%, based on the federal income tax rate of 37.00% plus 3.80% Medicare tax.

6. The Fund’s 30-day standardized yield is calculated over a trailing 30-day period using the yield to maturity on bonds and/or the dividends accrued on stocks. It may not equal the Fund’s actual income distribution rate, which reflects the Fund’s past dividends paid to shareholders.

7. Source: Morningstar. The Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index is a market value-weighted index engineered for the long-term tax-exempt bond market. To be included in the index, bonds must be fixed rate, have at least one year to final maturity and be rated investment grade (Baa3/BBB- or higher) by at least two of the following agencies: Moody’s, S&P and Fitch.

8. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/cpi. The Consumer Price Index is a commonly used measure of the inflation rate.

9. Figures are as stated in the Fund’s current prospectus and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Your Fund’s Expenses and Financial Highlights sections in this report. In periods of market volatility, assets may decline significantly, causing total annual Fund operating expenses to become higher than the figures shown.

See www.franklintempletondatasources.com for additional data provider information.

 

 

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FRANKLIN NEW JERSEY TAX-FREE INCOME FUND

    

 

Your Fund’s Expenses

As a Fund shareholder, you can incur two types of costs: (1) transaction costs, including sales charges (loads) on Fund purchases and redemptions; and (2) ongoing Fund costs, including management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees, and other Fund expenses. All mutual funds have ongoing costs, sometimes referred to as operating expenses. The table below shows ongoing costs of investing in the Fund and can help you understand these costs and compare them with those of other mutual funds. The table assumes a $1,000 investment held for the six months indicated.

Actual Fund Expenses

The table below provides information about actual account values and actual expenses in the columns under the heading “Actual.” In these columns the Fund’s actual return, which includes the effect of Fund expenses, is used to calculate the “Ending Account Value” for each class of shares. You can estimate the expenses you paid during the period by following these steps (of course, your account value and expenses will differ from those in this illustration): Divide your account value by $1,000 (if your account had an $8,600 value, then $8,600 ÷ $1,000 = 8.6). Then multiply the result by the number in the row for your class of shares under the headings “Actual” and “Expenses Paid During Period” (if Actual Expenses Paid During Period were $7.50, then 8.6 x $7.50 = $64.50). In this illustration, the actual expenses paid this period are $64.50.

Hypothetical Example for Comparison with Other Funds

Under the heading “Hypothetical” in the table, information is provided about hypothetical account values and hypothetical expenses based on the Fund’s actual expense ratio and an assumed rate of return of 5% per year before expenses, which is not the Fund’s actual return. This information may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period, but it can help you compare ongoing costs of investing in the Fund with those of other funds. To do so, compare this 5% hypothetical example for the class of shares you hold with the 5% hypothetical examples that appear in the shareholder reports of other funds.

Please note that expenses shown in the table are meant to highlight ongoing costs and do not reflect any transactional costs. Therefore, information under the heading “Hypothetical” is useful in comparing ongoing costs only, and will not help you compare total costs of owning different funds. In addition, if transactional costs were included, your total costs would have been higher.

 

           

Actual

      Hypothetical        
            (actual return after expenses)       (5% annual return before expenses)        
                Expenses           Expenses       Net
    Beginning       Ending   Paid During       Ending   Paid During       Annualized
Share   Account       Account   Period       Account   Period       Expense
Class   Value 9/1/17              Value 2/28/18  

9/1/17–2/28/181,2

             Value 2/28/18   9/1/17–2/28/181,2              Ratio2
A   $1,000     $991.90   $3.41     $1,021.37   $3.46     0.69%
C   $1,000     $989.30   $6.12     $1,018.65   $6.21     1.24%
R6   $1,000     $992.60   $2.67     $1,022.12   $2.71     0.54%
Advisor   $1,000     $992.40   $2.91     $1,021.87   $2.96     0.59%

1. Expenses are equal to the annualized expense ratio for the six-month period as indicated above—in the far right column—multiplied by the simple average account value over the period indicated, and then multiplied by 181/365 to reflect the one-half year period.

2. Reflects expenses after fee waivers and expense reimbursements, for Class R6.

 

 

 

 

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    39


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     Year Ended February 28,  
      2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.11       $12.50       $12.44       $12.21       $12.59  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.31       0.31       0.31       0.32       0.34  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.17     (0.40     0.06       0.23       (0.38
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.14       (0.09     0.37       0.55       (0.04
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.31     (0.30     (0.31     (0.32     (0.34
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.94       $12.11       $12.50       $12.44       $12.21  
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     1.14%       (0.70)%       3.03%       4.58%       (0.29)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.66%       0.66%       0.66%       0.68%       0.65%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.65%       0.66%       0.66%       0.68%       0.65%  

Net investment income

     2.56%       2.48%       2.54%       2.59%       2.81%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,850,075       $1,929,083       $2,017,642       $1,828,050       $1,747,118  

Portfolio turnover rate

     10.72%       8.98%       6.62%       4.10%       9.30%  

 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

40    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     Year Ended February 28,  
      2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $12.14       $12.53       $12.47       $12.24       $12.62  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.25       0.24       0.25       0.25       0.27  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.17     (0.39     0.05       0.24       (0.38
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.08       (0.15     0.30       0.49       (0.11
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.24     (0.24     (0.24     (0.26     (0.27
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.98       $12.14       $12.53       $12.47       $12.24  
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     0.67%       (1.26)%       2.47%       4.00%       (0.83)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.20%       1.21%       1.21%       1.23%       1.20%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     1.19%       1.21%       1.21%       1.23%       1.20%  

Net investment income

     2.02%       1.93%       1.99%       2.04%       2.26%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $358,228       $425,649       $469,355       $456,698       $453,176  

Portfolio turnover rate

     10.72%       8.98%       6.62%       4.10%       9.30%  

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    41


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

 

    Year Ended
February 28,
 
     2018a  

Class R6

 

Per share operating performance

 

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

 

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $12.28  

Income from investment operationsb:

 

  Net investment incomec

    0.20  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.32

Total from investment operations

    (0.12

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.19

Net asset value, end of year

    $11.97  

Total returnd

    (0.97)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.49%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.48%  

Net investment income

    2.73%  

Supplemental data

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $672,199  

Portfolio turnover rate

    10.72%  

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

    Year Ended February 28,  
                 2018                 2017                  2016a
                2015                 2014  

Advisor Class

         

Per share operating performance

         

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

         

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $12.13       $12.52       $12.47       $12.24       $12.61  

Income from investment operationsb:

         

  Net investment incomec

    0.32       0.32       0.33       0.33       0.36  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.16     (0.39     0.04       0.24       (0.38

Total from investment operations

    0.16       (0.07     0.37       0.57       (0.02

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.32     (0.32     (0.32     (0.34     (0.35

Net asset value, end of year

    $11.97       $12.13       $12.52       $12.47       $12.24  

Total return

    1.32%       (0.61)%       3.05%       4.67%       (0.11)%  

Ratios to average net assets

         

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.56%       0.56%       0.56%       0.58%       0.55%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.55%       0.56%       0.56%       0.58%       0.55%  

Net investment income

    2.66%       2.58%       2.64%       2.69%       2.91%  

Supplemental data

         

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $1,196,627       $1,986,241       $2,019,784       $2,285,627       $1,798,459  

Portfolio turnover rate

    10.72%       8.98%       6.62%       4.10%       9.30%  

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

 

 

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    43


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds 96.5%

     

Alabama 2.6%

     

Alabama State Public School and College Authority Revenue,

     

Capital Improvement, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/19

   $ 7,750,000      $       8,065,347  

Capital Improvement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/27

     25,000,000        28,748,000  

Chatom IDB Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue,

     

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 8/01/20

     3,535,000        3,795,777  

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 8/01/21

     3,535,000        3,787,965  

PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 8/01/22

     3,535,000        3,794,893  

a East Alabama Health Care Authority Health Care Facilities Revenue,

     

Mandatory Put, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 9/01/18

     10,000,000        10,195,100  

Mandatory Put, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 9/01/18

     13,500,000        13,776,750  

Infirmary Health System Special Care Facilities Financing Authority of Mobile Revenue,

     

Infirmary Health System Inc., Series A, 5.00%, 2/01/27

     4,920,000        5,587,890  

Infirmary Health System Inc., Series A, 5.00%, 2/01/28

     5,000,000        5,630,950  

Shelby County Board of Education Revenue,

     

Capital Outlay School wts., 5.00%, 2/01/22

     5,250,000        5,667,217  

Capital Outlay School wts., 5.00%, 2/01/23

     5,520,000        5,981,472  

Capital Outlay School wts., 5.00%, 2/01/24

     5,055,000        5,473,150  

Capital Outlay School wts., 5.00%, 2/01/25

     5,920,000        6,406,210  
     

 

 

 
        106,910,721  
     

 

 

 

Alaska 0.1%

     

Matanuska-Susitna Borough Lease Revenue, Goose Creek Correctional Center Project, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 9/01/19

     3,650,000        3,829,544  
     

 

 

 

Arizona 4.8%

     

Arizona Board of Regents Arizona State University System Revenue,

     

Polytechnic Campus Project, Series C, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 7/01/20

     500,000        507,305  

Polytechnic Campus Project, Series C, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 7/01/21

     500,000        507,305  

Arizona Health Facilities Authority Hospital Revenue, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/01/27

     6,000,000        6,467,460  

Arizona School Facilities Board COP,

     

Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 9/01/19

     10,000,000        10,197,700  

Refunding, Series A-3, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 9/01/19

     16,185,000        16,995,869  

Arizona State COP,

     

Department of Administration, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/19

     5,650,000        5,945,834  

Department of Administration, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 10/01/21

     10,000,000        10,552,800  

Department of Administration, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 10/01/22

     40,910,000        43,144,913  

Department of Administration, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/20

     14,860,000        15,854,877  

Arizona Transportation Board Highway Revenue,

     

Subordinated, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     10,920,000        12,570,995  

Subordinated, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     5,000,000        5,497,800  

Subordinated, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     5,000,000        5,494,400  

Mesa Utility Systems Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     1,500,000        1,761,900  

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     2,500,000        2,924,275  

Phoenix Civic Improvement Corp. Airport Revenue,

     

junior lien, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     10,000,000        11,678,800  

junior lien, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/19

     1,900,000        1,983,904  

junior lien, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/20

     1,300,000        1,398,215  

junior lien, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/21

     4,200,000        4,525,290  

Pima County Regional Transportation Excise Tax Revenue,

     

Pima County Regional Transportation Fund, 5.00%, 6/01/24

     3,385,000        3,862,996  

Pima County Regional Transportation Fund, 5.00%, 6/01/26

     7,180,000        8,163,301  

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Arizona (continued)

     

Pima County Sewer System Revenue,

     

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/24

   $   6,030,000      $       6,659,170  

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     4,500,000        4,969,530  

Scottsdale IDA Hospital Revenue, Scottsdale Healthcare, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/21

     4,000,000        4,066,840  

Scottsdale Municipal Property Corp. Excise Tax Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     2,580,000        3,039,756  

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     2,000,000        2,351,980  

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     3,325,000        3,880,940  

University Medical Center Corp. Hospital Revenue, Tucson, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 7/01/24

     2,000,000        2,115,060  
     

 

 

 
        197,119,215  
     

 

 

 

Arkansas 0.1%

     

Fort Smith Sales and Use Tax Revenue, Refunding and Improvement, 5.00%, 5/01/23

     5,000,000        5,600,550  
     

 

 

 

California 10.2%

     

Bay Area Toll Authority Toll Bridge Revenue,

     

San Francisco Bay Area, Subordinate, Refunding, Series S-7, 4.00%, 4/01/31

     7,000,000        7,593,250  

San Francisco Bay Area, Subordinate, Refunding, Series S-7, 4.00%, 4/01/33

     5,000,000        5,361,850  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

     

Providence Health and Services, Series C, 6.00%, 10/01/18

     500,000        513,245  

Scripps Health, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/21

     5,000,000        5,102,750  

Sutter Health, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/15/22

     4,000,000        4,320,800  

Sutter Health, Refunding, Series B, 5.25%, 8/15/23

     13,000,000        14,113,840  

California State GO,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/21

     55,000        55,166  

Various Purpose, 5.50%, 4/01/21

     20,000,000        20,880,600  

Various Purpose, 5.25%, 10/01/23

     25,050,000        28,163,214  

Various Purpose, 5.25%, 10/01/24

     9,780,000        10,980,984  

Various Purpose, 5.25%, 10/01/25

     5,000,000        5,610,300  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.25%, 9/01/25

     15,000,000        16,795,200  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     15,000,000        17,124,450  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/30

     25,000,000        29,240,000  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/30

     10,000,000        11,667,300  

California State Public Works Board Lease Revenue,

     

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/20

     2,000,000        2,173,860  

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/22

     3,300,000        3,706,461  

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/23

     5,365,000        6,003,972  

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/24

     3,000,000        3,353,970  

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/25

     3,000,000        3,350,670  

Various Capital Projects, Series G, Subseries G-1, ETM, 5.25%, 10/01/18

     5,605,000        5,737,558  

Various Capital Projects, Series G, Subseries G-1, ETM, 5.25%, 10/01/19

     10,000,000        10,599,600  

Various Capital Projects, Series G, Subseries G-1, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/21

     15,055,000        15,899,134  

Various Capital Projects, Series I, 5.00%, 11/01/18

     4,000,000        4,099,080  

Various Capital Projects, Series I, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 11/01/20

     5,000,000        5,314,550  

California Statewide CDA Revenue,

     

Enloe Medical Center, Series A, California Mortgage Insured, 5.25%, 8/15/19

     1,990,000        2,024,347  

Enloe Medical Center, Series A, California Mortgage Insured, 5.375%, 8/15/20

     1,650,000        1,680,162  

Sutter Health, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 8/15/24

     4,000,000        4,338,680  

El Dorado Irrigation District COP,

     

Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 8/01/22

     2,610,000        2,742,197  

Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 8/01/23

     2,860,000        3,014,812  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    45


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

California (continued)

     

Livermore-Amador Valley Water Management Agency Sewer Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/24

   $ 5,660,000      $       6,270,884  

Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/25

     4,765,000        5,274,283  

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Revenue,

     

Power System, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     11,025,000        12,551,301  

Power System, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     8,220,000        9,731,740  

Power System, Series B, 5.25%, 7/01/24

     16,870,000        17,757,362  

Power System, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/24

     130,000        136,466  

Power System, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     4,615,000        5,485,158  

Power System, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/33

     3,960,000        4,685,155  

Power System, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     4,080,000        4,805,057  

Los Angeles Municipal Improvement Corp. Lease Revenue,

     

Capital Equipment, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.25%, 4/01/18

     2,495,000        2,503,234  

Capital Equipment, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.25%, 4/01/19

     3,180,000        3,311,143  

Los Angeles USD,

     

GO, Election of 2005, Series F, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     5,675,000        5,941,725  

b GO, Election of 2008, Series B-1, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     8,000,000        9,485,760  

Orange County Airport Revenue,

     

Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/20

     3,465,000        3,625,499  

Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/21

     7,545,000        7,892,447  

Riverside Sewer Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/34

     10,605,000        12,103,593  

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/35

     11,000,000        12,499,410  

San Diego Community College District GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/25

     21,370,000        24,248,966  

San Francisco City and County COP,

     

Multiple Capital Improvement Projects, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/25

     4,000,000        4,150,320  

Multiple Capital Improvement Projects, Series A, 5.25%, 4/01/26

     2,500,000        2,601,450  

Tuolumne Wind Project Authority Revenue, Tuolumne Co. Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 1/01/23

     8,000,000        8,260,720  
     

 

 

 
        414,883,675  
     

 

 

 

Colorado 1.3%

     

Colorado Springs Utilities System Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 11/15/29

     1,675,000        2,005,008  

Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 11/15/30

     2,570,000        3,061,821  

Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 11/15/31

     1,125,000        1,336,073  

Denver City and County Airport System Revenue,

     

Subordinate, Series B, 5.25%, 11/15/26

     5,000,000        5,729,250  

Subordinate, Series B, 5.25%, 11/15/27

     4,250,000        4,865,017  

Denver City and County Excise Tax Revenue, Series A, AGMC Insured, ETM, 5.00%, 9/01/20

     10,090,000        10,939,477  

Denver City and County School District No. 1 GO, Refunding, 4.00%, 12/01/31

     9,000,000        9,566,460  

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue, 5.75%, 11/15/18

     885,000        909,904  

Regional Transportation District COP, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/26

     14,000,000        15,739,920  
     

 

 

 
        54,152,930  
     

 

 

 

Connecticut 1.4%

     

Connecticut State GO,

     

Series E, 5.00%, 8/15/25

     11,295,000        12,423,370  

Series E, 5.00%, 8/15/26

     18,585,000        20,343,699  

Connecticut State Special Tax Obligation Revenue, Transportation Infrastructure Purposes, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/28

     10,000,000        10,906,800  

 

 

46    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
            Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Connecticut (continued)

        

University of Connecticut GO,

        

Series A, 5.00%, 3/15/29

   $ 2,000,000         $ 2,253,300  

Series A, 5.00%, 3/15/30

     3,075,000           3,450,550  

Series A, 5.00%, 3/15/31

     5,025,000           5,619,859  
        

 

 

 
               54,997,578  
        

 

 

 

District of Columbia 0.3%

        

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Gross Revenue,

        

Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     5,000,000           5,866,150  

Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     5,750,000           6,725,545  
        

 

 

 
           12,591,695  
        

 

 

 

Florida 7.8%

        

Broward County Water and Sewer Utility Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     6,000,000           6,806,520  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     6,325,000           7,166,288  

Clearwater City Water and Sewer Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/33

     5,520,000           6,345,295  

Florida State Board of Education GO,

        

Full Faith and Credit, Public Education Capital Outlay, Refunding, Series C, 4.00%, 6/01/32

     12,855,000           13,864,375  

Full Faith and Credit, Public Education Capital Outlay, Refunding, Series C, 4.00%, 6/01/33

     5,000,000           5,363,350  

Full Faith and Credit, Public Education Capital Outlay, Refunding, Series E, 4.00%, 6/01/33

     11,855,000           12,709,508  

Gainesville Utilities System Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/30

     1,500,000           1,768,680  

Hillsborough County IDA, PCR, Tampa Electric Co. Project, Series A, 5.65%, 5/15/18

     6,500,000           6,553,105  

Jacksonville Sales Tax Revenue, Better Jacksonville, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/28

     6,000,000           6,658,980  

JEA Water and Sewer System Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/26

     1,455,000           1,682,969  

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/27

     5,130,000           5,914,839  

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     17,435,000           20,670,413  

Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/29

     1,205,000           1,381,990  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/26

     1,530,000           1,772,551  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/27

     5,375,000           6,227,099  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/29

     1,265,000           1,465,540  

Leon County School District Sales Tax Revenue, 5.00%, 9/01/25

     6,040,000           6,917,914  

Miami-Dade County Aviation Revenue,

        

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 4.25%, 10/01/18

     6,920,000           7,032,381  

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 4.50%, 10/01/19

     4,805,000           5,018,486  

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/21

     5,000,000           5,405,550  

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/22

     5,890,000           6,366,206  

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/23

     4,875,000           5,298,443  

Miami-Dade County School Board COP, Master Lease Purchase Agreement, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/01/23

     12,115,000           12,514,068  

Miami-Dade County Transit System Sales Surtax Revenue,

        

5.00%, 7/01/24

     2,250,000           2,511,765  

5.00%, 7/01/25

     3,000,000           3,343,770  

5.00%, 7/01/26

     4,000,000           4,451,360  

5.00%, 7/01/27

     4,000,000           4,442,600  

Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer System Revenue, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/27

     15,000,000           17,075,700  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Hospital, Orlando Health Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/27

     1,000,000           1,156,700  

Hospital, Orlando Health Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/28

     1,000,000           1,147,890  

Hospital, Orlando Health Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/30

     2,875,000           3,262,866  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    47


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Florida (continued)

     

Orlando Utilities Commission Utility System Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/24

   $ 2,405,000      $ 2,807,405  

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     2,000,000        2,359,940  

Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/30

     6,535,000        7,747,700  

Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     4,540,000        5,361,558  

Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/32

     4,325,000        5,095,715  

Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/33

     1,755,000        2,059,721  

Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/23

     10,000,000        11,400,800  

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     14,650,000        16,686,350  

Palm Beach County School Board COP, Master Lease Purchase Agreement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/25

     4,000,000        4,678,720  

Palm Beach County Solid Waste Authority Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/23

     17,290,000        19,206,424  

Palm Beach County Water and Sewer Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/28

     1,240,000        1,421,375  

Pasco County Solid Waste Disposal and Resource Recovery System Revenue,

     

Series D, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/22

     9,490,000        9,519,609  

Series D, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     10,455,000        10,487,620  

Port St. Lucie Utility System Revenue,

     

Refunding, 4.00%, 9/01/30

     2,500,000        2,640,150  

Refunding, 4.00%, 9/01/31

     4,135,000        4,338,566  

Sarasota County Utility System Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 10/01/35

     1,000,000        1,053,630  

Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 10/01/36

     2,000,000        2,102,900  

Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 10/01/37

     2,670,000        2,795,757  

South Miami Health Facilities Authority Hospital Revenue, Baptist Health South Florida Obligated Group,
Refunding, 4.00%, 8/15/33

     6,000,000        6,166,500  

Tohopekaliga Water Authority Utility System Revenue, Refunding, 4.00%, 10/01/32

     5,000,000        5,328,900  
     

 

 

 
            315,556,541  
     

 

 

 

Georgia 1.8%

     

Atlanta Airport Passenger Facility Charge Revenue,

     

General, sub. lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/27

     7,000,000        7,980,420  

General, sub. lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/28

     5,100,000        5,814,306  

Atlanta Water and Wastewater Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 11/01/26

     5,165,000        6,032,772  

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 11/01/20

     2,875,000        3,033,355  

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 11/01/21

     3,100,000        3,270,221  

Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/20

     5,700,000        6,025,527  

Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/21

     6,130,000        6,480,084  

Fulton County Development Authority Revenue,

     

Spelman College, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/28

     3,785,000        4,343,666  

Spelman College, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/29

     4,385,000        5,019,817  

Spelman College, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/30

     4,805,000        5,483,658  

Gainesville and Hall County Hospital Authority Revenue,

     

Anticipation Certificates, Northeast Georgia Health System Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/27

     1,750,000        2,020,095  

Anticipation Certificates, Northeast Georgia Health System Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/28

     2,100,000        2,409,813  

Anticipation Certificates, Northeast Georgia Health System Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/29

     2,000,000        2,283,300  

Anticipation Certificates, Northeast Georgia Health System Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/30

     1,000,000        1,136,640  

 

 

48      

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Georgia (continued)

     

Georgia Municipal Electric Authority Revenue, Project One, Subordinated, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/20

   $ 10,000,000      $     10,558,600  
     

 

 

 
        71,892,274  
     

 

 

 

Hawaii 0.9%

     

Hawaii State GO,

     

Series EO, 5.00%, 8/01/28

     25,000,000        28,858,250  

Series FG, 4.00%, 10/01/32

     5,285,000        5,616,264  
     

 

 

 
        34,474,514  
     

 

 

 

Illinois 1.5%

     

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Revenue, General Airport, third lien, Series C, Assured Guaranty, 5.25%, 1/01/22

     5,215,000        5,548,134  

Chicago Transit Authority Capital Grant Receipts Revenue, Federal Transit Administration Section 5307, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 6/01/25

     6,125,000        6,676,985  

Cook County GO, Refunding, Series A, MAC Insured, 5.25%, 11/15/22

     12,395,000        13,756,219  

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue,

     

Northwestern University, 5.00%, 12/01/28

     1,675,000        2,037,470  

Rush University Medical Center Obligated Group, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 11/01/24

     5,000,000        5,177,750  

Illinois State GO,

     

MAC Insured, 5.00%, 2/01/26

     5,650,000        6,225,848  

Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 4/01/25

     18,000,000        19,657,620  

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Revenue, McCormick Place Expansion Project, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 6/15/23

     600,000        673,302  
     

 

 

 
        59,753,328  
     

 

 

 

Kansas 0.2%

     

Kansas State Department of Transportation Highway Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/28

     8,000,000        9,260,080  
     

 

 

 

Kentucky 0.9%

     

Kentucky Asset/Liability Commission Agency Fund Revenue, Project Notes, Federal Highway Trust, First Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/20

     6,000,000        6,472,920  

Kentucky State Turnpike Authority Economic Development Road Revenue,

     

Revitalization Projects, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     2,570,000        3,027,126  

Revitalization Projects, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     2,000,000        2,377,100  

Revitalization Projects, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     3,000,000        3,546,630  

Revitalization Projects, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     1,000,000        1,045,780  

Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District Revenue, Sewer and Drainage System, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     7,000,000        7,785,400  

Paducah Electric Plant Board Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/29

     5,500,000        6,189,260  

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     5,500,000        6,149,990  
     

 

 

 
        36,594,206  
     

 

 

 

Louisiana 1.6%

     

Jefferson Sales Tax District Special Sales Tax Revenue, Parish of Jefferson, Refunding, Series B, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 12/01/21

     15,000,000        15,856,200  

Lafayette Communications System Revenue,

     

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 11/01/25

     2,400,000        2,745,792  

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 11/01/27

     3,500,000        3,975,965  

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 11/01/29

     4,685,000        5,281,073  

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue,

     

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/15/29

     10,000        11,892  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/15/30

     5,000        5,946  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/15/32

     15,000        17,839  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    49


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Louisiana (continued)

     

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue, (continued)

     

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/28

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,146,750  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/29

     2,000,000        2,279,780  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/29

     1,240,000        1,403,680  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/30

     2,250,000        2,553,255  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/30

     995,000        1,121,315  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/31

     1,745,000        1,971,309  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/32

     1,750,000        1,969,590  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/32

     1,485,000        1,658,270  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/33

     2,000,000        2,242,560  

Louisiana State GO, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/25

     10,000,000        11,498,400  

New Orleans Aviation Board Revenue, Restructuring GARB, Series A-1, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/23

     2,000,000        2,076,680  

Parishwide School District GO, Parish of Orleans, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 9/01/18

     5,000,000        5,087,100  
     

 

 

 
            62,903,396  
     

 

 

 

Maryland 1.9%

     

Anne Arundel County GO,

     

Consolidated General Improvements, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     3,110,000        3,620,475  

Consolidated General Improvements, Refunding, 5.00%, 4/01/29

     7,495,000        8,709,190  

Baltimore Revenue,

     

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     6,450,000        7,569,656  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     5,905,000        6,884,758  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     2,790,000        3,215,921  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     5,835,000        6,686,385  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     1,000,000        1,169,320  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     2,940,000        3,422,807  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     2,085,000        2,418,579  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Wastewater Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     3,240,000        3,747,449  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Water Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     1,320,000        1,543,502  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Water Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     1,785,000        2,078,133  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Water Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     3,765,000        4,367,362  

Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, Water Projects, Subordinate, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     4,000,000        4,626,480  

Maryland State Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

     

University of Maryland Medical System Issue, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     8,520,000        9,748,243  

University of Maryland Medical System Issue, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     7,415,000        8,451,914  
     

 

 

 
        78,260,174  
     

 

 

 

Massachusetts 2.9%

     

Massachusetts State Department of Transportation Metropolitan Highway System Revenue, Commonwealth Contract Assistance Secured, Subordinated, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/20

     5,000,000        5,315,650  

Massachusetts State GO,

     

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     7,500,000        8,726,700  

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     6,000,000        7,016,340  

Massachusetts State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, CareGroup Issue, Capital Asset Program, Series B-2, NATL Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.375%, 2/01/26

     1,720,000        1,748,810  

Massachusetts State School Building Authority Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue,

     

Senior, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/25.

     10,975,000        12,360,923  

Senior, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/26.

     7,000,000        7,874,440  

Senior, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/15/27.

     6,000,000        6,733,200  

 

 

50    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Massachusetts (continued)

     

Massachusetts State Water Pollution Abatement Trust Revenue,

     

State Revolving Fund, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/26

   $ 10,650,000      $ 12,756,996  

State Revolving Fund, Series 17, Sub Series 17A, 5.00%, 2/01/24

     9,380,000        10,681,194  

State Revolving Fund, Series 17, Sub Series 17A, 5.00%, 2/01/25

     9,750,000        11,078,047  

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Revenue, General, Green Bonds, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/32

     13,920,000        16,451,213  

University of Massachusetts Building Authority Revenue,

     

Refunding, Senior Series 3, 5.00%, 11/01/31

     10,035,000        11,873,914  

Senior Series 3, 5.00%, 11/01/32

     5,000,000        5,902,300  
     

 

 

 
          118,519,727  
     

 

 

 

Michigan 2.0%

     

Lansing School District GO,

     

Counties of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton, School Building and Site, Series I, 5.00%, 5/01/30

     1,860,000        2,142,069  

Counties of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton, School Building and Site, Series I, 5.00%, 5/01/31

     2,010,000        2,303,802  

Counties of Ingham, Eaton and Clinton, School Building and Site, Series I, 5.00%, 5/01/32

     2,310,000        2,636,865  

Michigan Finance Authority Revenue,

     

Hospital, Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series MI, 5.00%, 12/01/34

     8,200,000        9,249,436  

State Revolving Fund, Clean Water, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     5,000,000        5,679,150  

State Revolving Fund, Clean Water, Subordinate, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     7,000,000        7,937,650  

Michigan State GO, School Loan, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 11/01/22

     10,000,000        10,260,100  

Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue,

     

Ascension Health Credit Group, 4.00%, 11/15/31

     5,100,000        5,370,759  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/31

     2,700,000        3,118,743  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/32

     1,250,000        1,440,462  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series MI, 5.00%, 12/01/24

     8,000,000        8,978,960  

Michigan State Strategic Fund Limited Obligation Revenue,

     

Michigan House of Representatives Facilities, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 10/15/22

     4,000,000        4,098,360  

Michigan House of Representatives Facilities, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 10/15/23

     1,000,000        1,024,590  

Wayne State University Revenue,

     

General, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/18

     3,195,000        3,275,099  

General, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/19

     3,905,000        4,129,772  

General, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/20

     3,935,000        4,143,752  

General, Series A, ETM, 5.00%, 11/15/18

     1,070,000        1,097,199  

General, Series A, ETM, 5.00%, 11/15/19

     1,305,000        1,378,980  

General, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/15/20

     1,320,000        1,394,831  
     

 

 

 
        79,660,579  
     

 

 

 

Minnesota 1.5%

     

Minnesota Agricultural and Economic Development Board Revenue,

     

Health Care Facilities, Essentia Health Obligated Group, Series C-1, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 2/15/21

     4,165,000        4,426,895  

Health Care Facilities, Essentia Health Obligated Group, Series C-1, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 2/15/22

     5,570,000        5,905,425  

Health Care Facilities, Essentia Health Obligated Group, Series C-1, Assured Guaranty, 5.25%, 2/15/23

     5,000,000        5,341,600  

University of Minnesota GO,

     

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     8,060,000        9,623,801  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/31

     13,900,000        16,531,409  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/32

     4,405,000        5,226,488  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    51


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Minnesota (continued)

        

University of Minnesota GO, (continued)

        

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/33

   $ 6,755,000         $       7,983,127  

Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/30

     4,970,000           5,830,208  
        

 

 

 
           60,868,953  
        

 

 

 

Missouri 0.3%

        

Missouri State Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission Power Project Revenue,

        

Plum Point Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/27

     3,250,000           3,676,497  

Plum Point Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/28

     4,500,000           5,072,670  

Plum Point Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/29

     4,045,000           4,543,789  
        

 

 

 
           13,292,956  
        

 

 

 

Nevada 1.2%

        

Clark County Airport System Revenue,

        

sub. lien, Series C, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     5,000,000           5,228,250  

sub. lien, Series C, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/23

     15,000,000           15,682,650  

Clark County School District GO, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, 4.50%, 6/15/19

     4,600,000           4,749,040  

Clark County Water Reclamation District GO,

        

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/21

     3,435,000           3,605,857  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/22

     3,120,000           3,275,189  

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/21

     3,430,000           3,600,608  

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/22

     3,615,000           3,794,810  

Washoe County School District GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/25

     6,130,000           6,819,502  
        

 

 

 
           46,755,906  
        

 

 

 

New Hampshire 0.2%

        

Manchester GARB, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 1/01/25

     7,930,000           8,661,780  
        

 

 

 

New Jersey 5.9%

        

Hudson County Improvement Authority Facility Lease Revenue,

        

Hudson County Lease Project, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.375%, 10/01/22

     5,220,000           5,896,982  

Hudson County Lease Project, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.375%, 10/01/23

     5,375,000           6,160,072  

Hudson County Lease Project, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.375%, 10/01/24

     2,050,000           2,382,571  

New Jersey EDA Revenue,

        

School Facilities Construction, Refunding, Series EE, 5.25%, 9/01/24

     12,210,000           13,031,611  

School Facilities Construction, Series AAA, 5.00%, 6/15/34

     5,000,000           5,374,700  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

        

Barnabas Health Issue, Series A, ETM, 5.00%, 7/01/20

     10,000,000           10,738,800  

Barnabas Health Issue, Series A, ETM, 5.00%, 7/01/21

     20,535,000           22,572,483  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     900,000           1,031,310  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     1,080,000           1,232,885  

New Jersey State COP,

        

Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 6/15/22

     10,000,000           10,465,200  

Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 6/15/23

     17,945,000           18,779,801  

New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund Issue, Series B, 5.00%, 9/01/36

     5,000,000           5,309,050  

Kean University Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 9/01/21

     6,000,000           6,297,900  

New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority Student Loan Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series 1A, 5.25%, 12/01/19

     2,500,000           2,632,125  

Series A, 5.375%, 6/01/24

     5,110,000           5,276,944  

New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue,

        

Transportation Program, Series AA, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/15/26

     26,650,000           28,633,293  

Transportation System, Refunding, Series A, 5.50%, 12/15/22

     25,000,000           27,872,250  

Transportation System, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.50%, 12/15/22

     11,465,000           12,946,163  

 

 

52    

 

 

      Annual Report  

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

New Jersey (continued)

        

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue,

        

Turnpike, Refunding, Series H, 5.00%, 1/01/20

   $ 6,540,000         $       6,729,202  

Turnpike, Series H, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/20

     3,460,000           3,561,274  

Turnpike, Series H, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/21

     13,060,000           13,453,237  

Turnpike, Series H, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/21

     6,940,000           7,143,134  

Rutgers State University GO,

        

Refunding, Series J, 5.00%, 5/01/26

     5,000,000           5,664,050  

Refunding, Series J, 5.00%, 5/01/27

     10,830,000           12,228,911  

Series L, 5.00%, 5/01/27

     5,270,000           5,950,726  
        

 

 

 
           241,364,674  
        

 

 

 

New York 9.2%

        

Erie County IDA School Facility Revenue,

        

City School District of the City of Buffalo Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/23

     6,235,000           6,975,905  

City School District of the City of Buffalo Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/24

     8,000,000           8,950,640  

City School District of the City of Buffalo Project, Series A, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 5/01/22.

     5,000,000           5,036,750  

City School District of the City of Buffalo Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/22

     14,840,000           15,452,595  

Long Island Power Authority Electric System Revenue, General, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 9/01/26

     5,000,000           5,580,450  

MTA Revenue,

        

Transportation, Refunding, Series F, 5.00%, 11/15/26

     25,000,000           28,062,750  

Transportation, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.50%, 11/15/20

     4,365,000           4,803,683  

Transportation, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/15/27

     3,500,000           4,021,885  

Transportation, Series C, 5.75%, 11/15/18

     3,345,000           3,448,227  

Nassau County Local Economic Assistance and FICO Revenue, Catholic Health Services of Long Island Obligated Group Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/21

     9,000,000           9,816,840  

New York City GO,

        

Fiscal 2013, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 8/01/27

     10,000,000           11,267,400  

Fiscal 2013, Series I, 5.00%, 8/01/24

     10,200,000           11,649,930  

Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series G, 5.00%, 8/01/22

     8,000,000           9,016,160  

Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series G, 5.00%, 8/01/23

     6,860,000           7,857,787  

Fiscal 2015, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/25

     2,000,000           2,343,320  

Fiscal 2015, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/26

     10,000,000           11,578,100  

Fiscal 2015, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/27

     7,500,000           8,673,300  

Fiscal 2017, Subseries A-1, 5.00%, 8/01/29

     10,000,000           11,622,500  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Building Aid Revenue,

        

Fiscal 2009, Series S-3, 5.00%, 1/15/23

     5,000,000           5,152,700  

Fiscal 2009, Series S-4, 5.00%, 1/15/21

     4,665,000           4,808,309  

New York City Transitional Finance Authority Revenue,

        

Future Tax Secured, Subordinate, Fiscal 2003, Refunding, Subseries A-1, 5.00%, 11/01/23

     11,500,000           12,781,560  

Future Tax Secured, Subordinate, Fiscal 2011, Series C, 5.00%, 11/01/23

     12,805,000           13,932,224  

Future Tax Secured, Subordinate, Fiscal 2012, Series C, 5.00%, 11/01/24

     7,620,000           8,460,638  

Future Tax Secured, Subordinate, Fiscal 2014, Series D, Subseries D-1, 5.00%, 2/01/27

     8,740,000           10,027,227  

Future Tax Secured, Subordinate, Fiscal 2014, Series D, Subseries D-1, 5.00%, 2/01/28

     5,000,000           5,709,700  

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenues,

        

Non-State Supported Debt, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/29

     10,000,000           11,405,200  

Non-State Supported Debt, School Districts, Financing Program, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     350,000           367,819  

Non-State Supported Debt, School Districts, Financing Program, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/24

     4,035,000           4,255,392  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    53


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

New York (continued)

        

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenues, (continued)

        

Non-State Supported Debt, School Districts, Financing Program, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/24

   $ 615,000         $ 648,093  

State Supported Debt, City University System, Consolidated Fifth General Resolution, Series A, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 7/01/23

     7,915,000           9,252,160  

State Supported Debt, Mental Health Services Facilities Improvement, Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 2/15/19

     3,245,000           3,352,961  

Third General Resolution, State University Educational Facilities Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     7,000,000           7,845,250  

New York State Dormitory Authority State Personal Income Tax Revenue,

        

General Purpose, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/15/27

     10,000,000           11,303,900  

General Purpose, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 3/15/28

     7,185,000           8,322,242  

General Purpose, Refunding, Series E, 5.00%, 2/15/28

     10,000,000           11,565,600  

General Purpose, Refunding, Series E, 5.00%, 2/15/30

     5,000,000           5,751,850  

New York State Local Government Assistance Corp. Revenue, sub. lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 4/01/21

     12,000,000           12,854,520  

New York State Thruway Authority General Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series H, NATL Insured, 5.00%, 1/01/22

     10,000,000           10,028,700  

Series I, 5.00%, 1/01/26

     10,000,000           11,057,800  

New York State Thruway Authority Revenue, Local Highway and Bridge Service Contract, Refunding, 5.00%, 4/01/19

     9,570,000           9,937,009  

New York State Urban Development Corp. Revenue,

        

Empire State Development Corp., Service Contract, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 1/01/20

     6,500,000           6,904,300  

State Personal Income Tax, General Purpose, Series D, 5.00%, 3/15/24

     10,000,000           11,404,600  

Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority Revenue, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.375%, 12/15/18

     1,655,000           1,704,501  

Suffolk County EDC Revenue, Catholic Health Services of Long Island Obligated Group Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     10,000,000           10,870,700  
        

 

 

 
               375,863,177  
        

 

 

 

North Carolina 0.9%

        

Buncombe County Limited Obligation Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/28

     5,000,000           5,746,700  

Charlotte Water and Sewer System Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     10,000,000           11,767,300  

Greenville Utilities Commission Combined Enterprise System Revenue,

        

Refunding, 5.00%, 4/01/32

     2,830,000           3,264,122  

Refunding, 5.00%, 4/01/34

     1,400,000           1,601,726  

North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency Power System Revenue,

        

Series A, ETM, 5.00%, 1/01/21

     10,000,000           10,887,700  

Series C, Assured Guaranty, ETM, 6.00%, 1/01/19

     500,000           519,170  

Oak Island Enterprise System Revenue, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 6/01/23

     1,735,000           1,820,830  
        

 

 

 
           35,607,548  
        

 

 

 

Ohio 6.3%

        

Akron Income Tax Revenue,

        

Community Learning Centers, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/24

     5,265,000           5,898,064  

Community Learning Centers, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/25

     6,645,000           7,432,499  

Community Learning Centers, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/26

     8,240,000           9,198,724  

American Municipal Power Inc. Revenue,

        

Greenup Hydroelectric Project, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/29

     1,000,000           1,142,840  

Greenup Hydroelectric Project, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/30

     1,000,000           1,137,530  

 

 

54    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Ohio (continued)

        

Cincinnati GO,

        

Various Purpose, Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/24

   $ 1,270,000         $       1,432,090  

Various Purpose, Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/25

     2,000,000           2,255,260  

Various Purpose, Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     2,000,000           2,255,260  

Various Purpose, Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/28

     2,350,000           2,649,930  

Cleveland Airport System Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 1/01/25

     5,000,000           5,484,450  

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 1/01/26

     5,000,000           5,471,000  

Cleveland Water Revenue,

        

second lien, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/25

     2,500,000           2,791,825  

second lien, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/26

     2,000,000           2,233,460  

Cuyahoga County EDR,

        

Recovery Zone Facility, Medical Mart/Convention Center Project, Series F, 5.00%, 12/01/20

     7,000,000           7,597,590  

Recovery Zone Facility, Medical Mart/Convention Center Project, Series F, 5.00%, 12/01/21

     7,300,000           7,943,714  

Hamilton County Sewer System Revenue,

        

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/24

     2,500,000           2,884,650  

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/25

     2,400,000           2,762,256  

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/26

     4,000,000           4,592,120  

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     5,000,000           5,725,600  

The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/28

     3,000,000           3,426,690  

Kent State University Revenues,

        

General Receipts, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/23

     1,200,000           1,341,072  

General Receipts, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/24

     1,500,000           1,675,065  

General Receipts, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/25

     1,500,000           1,672,530  

General Receipts, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/26

     1,600,000           1,781,328  

Ohio State Building Authority Revenue, State Facilities, Administrative Building Fund Projects, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 10/01/22

     5,780,000           6,254,943  

Ohio State GO,

        

Higher Education, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/01/24

     8,585,000           9,514,584  

Higher Education, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/01/25

     7,000,000           7,757,960  

Highway Capital Improvements, Full Faith and Credit, Highway User Receipts, Series R, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/26

     11,000,000           12,835,020  

Highway Capital Improvements, Full Faith and Credit, Highway User Receipts, Series R, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/27

     5,000,000           5,834,100  

Highway Capital Improvements, Full Faith and Credit, Highway User Receipts, Series R, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/28

     9,100,000           10,618,062  

Highway Capital Improvements, Full Faith and Credit, Highway User Receipts, Series T, 5.00%, 5/01/31

     5,000,000           5,910,100  

Highway Capital Improvements, Full Faith and Credit, Highway User Receipts, Series T, 5.00%, 5/01/32

     5,000,000           5,887,900  

Ohio State Turnpike Commission Revenue, Turnpike, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 2/15/24

     10,000,000           11,449,400  

Ohio State Water Development Authority Revenue, Fresh Water, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     5,875,000           6,882,034  

Ohio State Water Development Authority Water PCR, Loan Fund, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/31

     10,000,000           11,816,800  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    55


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     

Principal

Amount

             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Ohio (continued)

        

Toledo City School District GO,

        

School Facilities Improvement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/24

   $ 2,920,000         $       3,294,986  

School Facilities Improvement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/25

     4,125,000           4,624,991  

School Facilities Improvement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/26

     4,340,000           4,863,968  

School Facilities Improvement, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     4,565,000           5,094,357  

Toledo Water System Revenue,

        

Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/25

     4,000,000           4,537,080  

Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/26

     6,140,000           6,951,524  

Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/27

     6,450,000           7,289,016  

Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/28

     6,570,000           7,397,163  

University of Cincinnati General Receipts Revenue,

        

Series C, 5.00%, 6/01/25

     3,010,000           3,397,989  

Series C, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 6/01/21

     11,810,000           12,503,011  

Series C, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 6/01/22

     11,675,000           12,358,104  
        

 

 

 
           257,858,639  
        

 

 

 

Oregon 1.7%

        

Clackamas County School District No. 12 North Clackamas, Series B, 5.00%, 6/15/32

     3,725,000           4,370,915  

Deschutes County Hospital Facility Authority Hospital Revenue, Cascade Healthcare Community Inc., Pre-Refunded, 7.375%, 1/01/23

     2,000,000           2,095,880  

Oregon State Department of Transportation Highway User Tax Revenue, senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/25

     10,000,000           11,330,200  

senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/27

     13,000,000           15,124,460  

senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/28

     3,500,000           4,067,245  

senior lien, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/15/22

     5,840,000           6,088,317  

Portland Water System Revenue, second lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     5,000,000           5,692,600  

Washington Counties School District No. 48J Beaverton GO,

        

5.00%, 6/15/27

     5,000,000           5,760,450  

5.00%, 6/15/28

     5,000,000           5,751,000  

5.00%, 6/15/29

     7,500,000           8,598,225  
        

 

 

 
           68,879,292  
        

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 4.9%

        

Allegheny County Hospital Development Authority Revenue,

        

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/19

     9,000,000           9,368,370  

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/20

     7,500,000           8,031,000  

Allegheny County Sanitary Authority Sewer Revenue, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 4.00%, 12/01/32

     2,250,000           2,375,753  

Commonwealth Financing Authority Revenue,

        

Series C-1, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/01/22

     4,130,000           4,414,020  

Series C-1, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/01/23

     4,345,000           4,640,808  

Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority Solid Waste Disposal System Revenue,

        

Series A, 5.25%, 12/15/25

     5,345,000           6,079,563  

Series A, 5.25%, 12/15/26

     5,835,000           6,606,795  

Pennsylvania State GO, Second Series, 5.00%, 10/15/26

     13,375,000           15,124,985  

Pennsylvania State Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 8/15/31

     3,775,000           4,043,289  

University of Pennsylvania Health System, Series A, 4.00%, 8/15/34

     5,895,000           6,120,779  

Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Turnpike Revenue,

        

Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/19

     32,230,000           34,144,462  

Series E, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/24

     5,000,000           5,577,150  

Series E, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/25

     10,000,000           11,154,300  

Subordinate, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 6/01/22

     6,070,000           6,332,952  

 

 

56    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Pennsylvania (continued)

        

Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Turnpike Revenue, (continued)

        

Subordinate, Series C, Subseries C-1, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 6/01/23

   $ 10,000,000         $       10,115,800  

Pennsylvania State University Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/30

     4,000,000           4,729,400  

Philadelphia Gas Works Revenue,

        

1998 General Ordinance, Refunding, Fifteenth Series, 5.00%, 8/01/30

     2,000,000           2,302,860  

1998 General Ordinance, Refunding, Fifteenth Series, 5.00%, 8/01/31

     4,030,000           4,629,624  

1998 General Ordinance, Refunding, Fourteenth Series, 5.00%, 10/01/29

     2,000,000           2,290,820  

Philadelphia GO,

        

Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.25%, 8/01/22

     17,810,000           18,725,256  

Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 8/01/22

     2,190,000           2,303,814  

Philadelphia Municipal Authority Lease Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 4/01/22

     7,065,000           7,407,511  

Philadelphia Water and Wastewater Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/15/18

     5,000,000           5,052,400  

Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/15/19

     5,000,000           5,218,050  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/31

     5,750,000           6,661,260  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/20

     1,210,000           1,245,925  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 1/01/21

     3,655,000           3,771,046  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 1/01/22

     2,330,000           2,403,978  
        

 

 

 
           200,871,970  
        

 

 

 

South Carolina 1.3%

        

Anderson Water and Sewer System Revenue,

        

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     2,555,000           2,864,615  

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/23

     2,695,000           3,008,536  

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     2,825,000           3,140,072  

Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     2,965,000           3,280,180  

Berkeley County Utility Revenue,

        

Combined Utility System, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/25

     3,665,000           4,178,613  

Combined Utility System, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/26

     1,700,000           1,930,095  

South Carolina Jobs EDA Hospital Revenue, Palmetto Health, Refunding and Improvement, 5.375%, 8/01/22

     6,000,000           6,253,380  

South Carolina State Transportation Infrastructure Bank Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     12,935,000           14,468,833  

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/26

     13,440,000           14,983,987  
        

 

 

 
           54,108,311  
        

 

 

 

Tennessee 1.4%

        

Memphis GO, General Improvement, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/22

     15,805,000           17,719,776  

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County GO, Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/26

     5,000,000           5,682,350  

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Water and Sewer Revenue,

        

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     1,675,000           1,900,606  

Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     1,800,000           2,042,442  

Tennessee State School Bond Authority Revenue,

        

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/28

     8,180,000           9,566,919  

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/30

     4,355,000           5,197,779  

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/31

     3,710,000           4,414,047  

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/30

     5,245,000           6,260,012  

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/31

     2,000,000           2,379,540  

Higher Educational Facilities Second Program, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/32

     1,500,000           1,780,455  
        

 

 

 
           56,943,926  
        

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    57


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Texas 10.3%

     

Austin Water and Wastewater System Revenue,

     

Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/26

   $ 4,835,000      $ 5,454,992  

Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/27

     4,000,000        4,512,920  

Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/29

     3,700,000        4,397,672  

Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/28

     5,000,000        5,658,250  

Clear Creek ISD,

     

GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/25

     11,370,000          12,600,689  

GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/26

     12,060,000        13,336,430  

Dallas Waterworks and Sewer System Revenue,

     

Denton Collin Kaufman and Rockwall Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/30

     1,500,000        1,772,820  

Denton Collin Kaufman and Rockwall Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/31

     2,500,000        2,943,225  

Denton Collin Kaufman and Rockwall Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/32

     1,000,000        1,174,540  

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Revenue,

     

Joint Refunding, Series D, 5.25%, 11/01/27

     5,000,000        5,750,300  

Joint Refunding, Series D, 5.25%, 11/01/28

     2,100,000        2,407,923  

El Paso ISD,

     

GO, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 8/15/27

     5,460,000        6,357,078  

GO, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 8/15/28

     2,500,000        2,896,100  

Fort Worth GO,

     

Tarrant Denton Parker and Wise Counties, General Purpose, Refunding and Improvement, 5.00%, 3/01/25

     6,000,000        6,673,560  

Tarrant Denton Parker and Wise Counties, General Purpose, Refunding and Improvement, 5.00%, 3/01/26

     6,790,000        7,541,178  

Harris County MTA Revenue,

     

Sales and Use Tax, Contractual Obligations, 5.00%, 11/01/28

     2,000,000        2,314,400  

Sales and Use Tax, Contractual Obligations, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/26

     2,000,000        2,345,300  

Sales and Use Tax, Contractual Obligations, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/27

     2,000,000        2,345,300  

Harris County Toll Road Revenue,

     

senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/32

     2,500,000        2,939,200  

senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/33

     2,500,000        2,927,425  

Houston GO,

     

Public Improvement, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/22

     3,855,000        4,106,924  

Public Improvement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 3/01/22

     6,145,000        6,549,034  

Houston ISD, GO, Harris County, Limited Tax Schoolhouse, Refunding, Series A, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/15/29

     10,000,000        11,706,300  

Houston Utility System Revenue,

     

Combined, first lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/15/29

     10,000,000        11,696,800  

Combined, first lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/15/34

     3,250,000        3,772,730  

Combined, first lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/15/35

     4,500,000        5,207,445  

Combined, first lien, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     5,000,000        5,791,750  

Combined, first lien, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 5/15/26

     19,690,000            22,672,444  

Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Contract Revenue,

     

LCRA Transmission Services Corp. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     6,000,000        6,549,720  

LCRA Transmission Services Corp. Project, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     10,620,000        11,593,004  

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue,

     

Special Projects System, Series D, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 9/01/24

     12,000,000        13,287,240  

System, first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/28

     6,500,000        7,503,990  

System, first tier, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 1/01/33

     5,000,000        5,262,100  

Northwest ISD,

     

GO, Refunding, Series A, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/15/28

     4,815,000        5,568,836  

GO, Refunding, Series A, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/15/29

     7,015,000        8,089,137  

 

 

58    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
     Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Texas (continued)

     

Sabine River Authority PCR, Southwestern Electric Power Co. Project, Refunding, NATL Insured, 4.95%, 3/01/18

   $ 15,000,000      $ 15,000,000  

San Angelo ISD, GO, Refunding, Series A, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/15/28

     5,220,000        5,968,600  

San Antonio Electric and Gas Systems Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.25%, 2/01/25

     27,000,000        32,101,920  

Refunding, 5.00%, 2/01/27

     10,415,000        12,241,166  

San Antonio Water System Revenue,

     

junior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/24

     1,500,000        1,727,370  

junior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/26

     2,200,000        2,520,760  

junior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/28

     2,000,000        2,280,120  

junior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/15/29

     1,000,000        1,137,770  

junior lien, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 5/15/31

     8,855,000        10,290,661  

Texas Transportation Commission State Highway Fund Revenue,

     

first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/23

     20,000,000          22,811,800  

first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/24

     20,000,000        23,195,200  

first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/25

     20,000,000        23,220,000  

Trinity River Authority Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 2/01/28

     3,000,000        3,493,290  

University of Houston Revenue,

     

Consolidated, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/15/27

     4,745,000        5,188,278  

Consolidated, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/15/27

     255,000        277,670  

University of Texas System Revenue, Board of Regents, Permanent University Fund, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     10,000,000        11,626,700  

Williamson County GO,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 2/15/23

     6,235,000        6,967,613  

Refunding, 5.00%, 2/15/25

     13,780,000        15,376,827  
     

 

 

 
          421,132,501  
     

 

 

 

Utah 0.7%

     

State Board of Regents University of Utah Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/30

     4,400,000        5,212,108  

Utah State Board of Regents Student Loan Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series EE-2, 5.00%, 11/01/20

     9,000,000        9,777,510  

Refunding, Series EE-2, 5.00%, 11/01/21

     9,000,000        9,789,750  

Utah State Transit Authority Sales Tax Revenue, sub. bond, Refunding, 4.00%, 12/15/31

     4,000,000        4,237,120  
     

 

 

 
        29,016,488  
     

 

 

 

Virginia 4.2%

     

Norfolk Water Revenue,

     

Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/24

     6,050,000        6,781,808  

Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/01/25

     5,910,000        6,624,874  

Refunding, 5.00%, 11/01/24

     95,000        106,128  

Refunding, 5.00%, 11/01/25

     90,000        100,390  

Richmond Public Utility Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/15/32

     10,000,000        11,597,400  

Upper Occoquan Sewage Authority Regional Sewerage System Revenue, Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 7/01/35

     9,665,000        10,226,150  

Virginia Beach Development Authority Public Facility Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/19

     12,635,000        13,254,873  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/20

     13,450,000        14,475,293  

Virginia College Building Authority Educational Facilities Revenue,

     

21st Century College and Equipment Programs, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/01/25

     13,080,000        15,178,947  

21st Century College and Equipment Programs, Series D, 5.00%, 2/01/25

     7,405,000        8,660,666  

 

 

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    59


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Virginia (continued)

     

Virginia State PBA Public Facilities Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 8/01/29

   $ 12,060,000      $ 13,034,569  

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 4.00%, 8/01/29

     1,075,000        1,200,979  

Virginia State Public School Authority Revenue,

     

School Financing, 1997 Resolution, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/23

     8,535,000        9,776,416  

School Financing, 1997 Resolution, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/26

     4,335,000        5,043,209  

School Financing, 1997 Resolution, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/27

     4,460,000        5,148,312  

Virginia State Resources Authority Clean Water Revenue,

     

Revolving Fund, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/27

     5,825,000        6,877,752  

Revolving Fund, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/28

     11,950,000        14,073,395  

Revolving Fund, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/26

     26,155,000        30,548,517  
     

 

 

 
          172,709,678  
     

 

 

 

Washington 3.7%

     

Energy Northwest Electric Revenue,

     

Columbia Generating Station, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/22

     3,250,000        3,658,200  

Columbia Generating Station, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/23

     3,500,000        4,007,325  

Columbia Generating Station, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     1,250,000        1,452,538  

King County School District No. 403 Renton GO,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     3,500,000        4,107,285  

Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/28

     4,000,000        4,675,640  

King County Sewer Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     1,200,000        1,397,508  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/26

     1,200,000        1,392,900  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     1,900,000        2,199,345  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     3,050,000        3,526,654  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     2,600,000        2,984,878  

Seattle Drain and Wastewater Revenue,

     

Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/24

     5,230,000        6,069,676  

Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/25

     5,500,000        6,352,115  

Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/26

     2,995,000        3,462,759  

Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/27

     3,150,000        3,624,358  

Seattle Municipal Light and Power Revenue,

     

Improvement and Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 2/01/19

     6,805,000        7,027,864  

Improvement and Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 2/01/20

     7,000,000        7,457,730  

Improvement and Refunding, Series C, 4.00%, 9/01/34

     10,300,000        10,918,206  

Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue,

     

Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     1,000,000        1,145,300  

Overlake Hospital Medical Center, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     1,925,000        2,192,537  

Virginia Mason Medical Center, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/15/31

     2,250,000        2,531,137  

Virginia Mason Medical Center, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/15/32

     4,005,000        4,491,728  

Washington State GO,

     

Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/25

     29,370,000        34,147,618  

Various Purpose, Series D, 5.00%, 2/01/31

     5,480,000        6,401,572  

Various Purpose, Series D, 5.00%, 2/01/32

     10,000,000        11,630,400  

Various Purpose, Series D, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 2/01/25

     13,955,000        15,612,714  
     

 

 

 
          152,467,987  
     

 

 

 

 

 

60    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Wisconsin 0.4%

     

Wisconsin State Transportation Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series 1, 5.00%, 7/01/24

   $ 6,560,000      $ 7,331,850  

Refunding, Series 2, 5.00%, 7/01/31

     5,000,000        5,893,050  

Series 1, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     3,440,000        3,872,064  
     

 

 

 
        17,096,964  
     

 

 

 

U.S. Territories 0.1%

     

Guam 0.1%

     

Guam Government Limited Obligation Revenue,

     

Section 30, Series A, ETM, 5.50%, 12/01/18

     1,540,000        1,588,371  

Section 30, Series A, ETM, 5.50%, 12/01/19

     1,025,000        1,095,602  
     

 

 

 
        2,683,973  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds before Short Term Investments (Cost $3,825,636,858)

         3,933,145,450  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 2.8%

     

Municipal Bonds 2.8%

     

Arizona 0.7%

     

c Arizona Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Banner Health, Series C, LOC Bank of America, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 1/01/46

     5,900,000        5,900,000  

c Phoenix IDA Health Care Facilities Revenue, Mayo Clinic, Series B, SPA Wells Fargo Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.06%, 11/15/52

     21,500,000        21,500,000  
     

 

 

 
        27,400,000  
     

 

 

 

Colorado 0.0%

     

c Denver City and County COP, Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building, Refunding, Series A2, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 12/01/29

     1,600,000        1,600,000  
     

 

 

 

Florida 0.5%

     

c St. Lucie County PCR, Florida Power and Light Co. Project, Refunding, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.17%, 9/01/28

     21,600,000        21,600,000  
     

 

 

 

Michigan 0.1%

     

c Green Lake Township EDC Revenue, Interlochen Center for the Arts Project, Refunding, LOC Harris Trust & Savings Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 6/01/34

     5,600,000        5,600,000  
     

 

 

 

New York 1.5%

     

c New York City GO, Fiscal 2015, Series F, Subseries F-6, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.10%, 6/01/44

     39,800,000        39,800,000  

c New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Water and Sewer System Revenue,

     

Second General Resolution, Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series AA, Subseries AA-1, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.10%, 6/15/50

     13,000,000        13,000,000  

Second General Resolution, Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series AA, Subseries AA-4, SPA Bank of Montreal, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.11%, 6/15/49

     6,600,000        6,600,000  
     

 

 

 
        59,400,000  
     

 

 

 

North Carolina 0.0%

     

c The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority Health Care Revenue, Carolinas HealthCare System, Refunding, Series C, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.12%, 1/15/37

     700,000        700,000  
     

 

 

 

Total Short Term Investments (Cost $116,300,000)

        116,300,000  
     

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $3,941,936,858) 99.3%

        4,049,445,450  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.7%.

        27,683,567  
     

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 4,077,129,017  
     

 

 

 

 

 

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    61


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

 

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

See Abbreviations on page 140.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aThe maturity date shown represents the mandatory put date.

bSecurity purchased on a when-issued basis. See Note 1(b).

cVariable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

 

 

62    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

    

    

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     Year Ended February 28,
  

 

 

     2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014 

 

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.37       $10.45       $10.47       $10.51     $10.56 
  

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.09       0.09       0.10       0.11     0.13 

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.09     (0.09     (0.03     (0.05   (0.05)
  

 

 

Total from investment operations

                 0.07       0.06     0.08 
  

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.08     (0.08     (0.09     (0.10   (0.13)
  

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

                 $10.29       $10.37       $10.45       $10.47     $10.51 
  

 

 

Total returnd

     0.01%       0.04%       0.70%       0.60%     0.76% 

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.71%       0.70%       0.69%       0.70%     0.84% 

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.63%       0.63%       0.63%       0.62%     0.60% 

Net investment income

     0.84%       0.83%       0.95%       1.05%     1.25% 

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $687,197       $810,811       $886,784       $890,556     $977,274 

Portfolio turnover rate

     40.13%       18.54%       22.58%       19.64%     20.20% 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    63


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

    

 

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

    Year Ended
    February 28,
2018a
 

 

 

Class R6

 

Per share operating performance

 

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

 

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $10.37   
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

 

  Net investment incomec

    0.07   

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.10)  
 

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.03)  
 

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.06)  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

    $10.28   
 

 

 

 

Total returnd

    (0.32)%   

Ratios to average net assetse

 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.54%   

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.44%   

Net investment income

    1.03%   

Supplemental data

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $51,656   

Portfolio turnover rate

    40.13%   

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

64    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Year Ended February 28,
  

 

 

     2018      2017      2016a      2015      2014 

 

Advisor Class

              

Per share operating performance

              

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

              

Net asset value, beginning of year

                 $10.37         $10.44         $10.46         $10.50       $10.55 
  

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

              

  Net investment incomec

     0.10         0.10         0.11         0.12       0.15 

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.08)        (0.07)        (0.02)        (0.04)      (0.06)
  

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.02         0.03         0.09         0.08       0.09 
  

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.10)        (0.10)        (0.11)        (0.12)      (0.14)
  

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

     $10.29         $10.37         $10.44         $10.46       $10.50 
  

 

 

Total return

     0.16%         0.28%         0.86%         0.75%       0.91% 

Ratios to average net assets

              

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.56%         0.55%         0.54%         0.55%       0.69% 

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.48%         0.48%         0.48%         0.47%       0.45% 

Net investment income

     0.99%         0.98%         1.10%         1.20%       1.40% 

Supplemental data

              

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $247,708         $296,298         $239,537         $231,428       $183,518 

Portfolio turnover rate

     40.13%         18.54%         22.58%         19.64%       20.20% 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

 

 

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    65


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds 89.2%

     

Alabama 0.6%

     

a East Alabama Health Care Authority Health Care Facilities Revenue, Mandatory Put, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 9/01/18

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,019,510  

a Mobile IDBR,

     

PCR, Alabama Power Co. Barry Plant Project, Mandatory Put, 1.625%, 10/02/18

     2,500,000        2,495,300  

PCR, Alabama Power Co. Barry Plant Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, 1.85%, 3/24/20

     2,250,000        2,242,755  
     

 

 

 
        5,757,565  
     

 

 

 

Arizona 1.8%

     

Pinal County Revenue, Pledged Obligations, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/18

     1,160,000        1,177,447  

Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District Electric System Revenue, Salt River Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/21

     14,045,000        15,324,359  

Tucson COP, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 3.00%, 7/01/18

     1,195,000        1,201,178  
     

 

 

 
        17,702,984  
     

 

 

 

Arkansas 0.5%

     

Little Rock School District GO, Pulaski County, Construction, 3.00%, 2/01/20

     4,930,000        5,037,967  
     

 

 

 

California 8.1%

     

a California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

     

St. Joseph Health System, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 10/15/20

     5,000,000        5,412,650  

St. Joseph Health System, Mandatory Put, Series C, 5.00%, 10/15/19

     3,250,000        3,422,672  

a California Statewide CDA, PCR, Southern California Edison Co., Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series D, 2.625%, 12/01/23

     3,000,000        3,027,930  

Coachella Valley USD,

     

GO, Riverside and Imperial Counties, Refunding, BAM Insured, 4.00%, 8/01/18

     1,265,000        1,279,092  

GO, Riverside and Imperial Counties, Refunding, BAM Insured, 4.00%, 8/01/19

     1,330,000        1,377,468  

Fremont UHSD Santa Clara County GO,

     

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/31

     3,235,000        1,549,177  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/32

     3,930,000        1,740,440  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/33

     1,020,000        417,914  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/34

     1,520,000        574,560  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/35

     3,245,000        1,132,765  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/36

     4,705,000        1,519,056  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/37

     11,005,000        3,288,184  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/38

     11,665,000        3,217,674  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 8/01/39

     12,290,000        3,126,822  

Hacienda La Puente USD,

     

GO, Los Angeles County, Election of 2016, Series A, 2.00%, 8/01/18

     3,720,000        3,732,685  

GO, Los Angeles County, Election of 2016, Series A, 3.00%, 8/01/19

     3,210,000        3,282,546  

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Revenue, Power System, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/18

     20,000,000        20,495,400  

Montebello USD, GO, Election of 2016, Series A, 3.00%, 8/01/18

     2,000,000        2,012,300  

Mount San Antonio Community College District GO, BAN, zero cpn., 4/01/22

     10,000,000        9,175,500  

Riverside County Transportation Commission Sales Tax Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/18

     1,000,000        1,009,150  

Salinas UHSD, GO, Monterey County, BAN, Capital Appreciation, zero cpn., 8/01/20

     5,000,000        4,776,700  

Tustin USD School Facilities ID No. 2002-1 GO, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series C, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 6/01/18

     810,000        807,384  

a Western Municipal Water District Facilities Authority Adjustable Rate Water Revenue, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series A, 1.50%, 10/01/20

     3,250,000        3,235,277  
     

 

 

 
        79,613,346  
     

 

 

 

 

 

66    

 

 

      Annual Report

  

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Colorado 3.8%

     

Colorado Springs Utilities System Revenue, Refunding, Series A-3, 5.00%, 11/15/22

   $ 8,700,000      $ 9,874,065  

Colorado State HFA, MFHR, Loan Program, Pass Through, Crisman Apartments Project, Series II, FHA Insured, 0.90%, 3/01/19

     2,000,000        1,988,520  

Dawson Ridge Metropolitan District No. 1 GO, Series A, ETM, zero cpn., 10/01/22

     23,955,000        21,680,473  

Douglas County School District No. Re-1 Douglas and Elbert Counties GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/15/18

     2,800,000        2,881,592  

Garfield County School District No. 16 GO, Refunding, 3.00%, 12/01/18

     1,115,000        1,129,283  
     

 

 

 
        37,553,933  
     

 

 

 

Connecticut 3.4%

     

a Connecticut State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

     

Yale University Issue, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series A, 1.375%, 7/11/18

     14,500,000        14,507,830  

Yale University Issue, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series A-1, 1.00%, 7/01/19

     6,000,000        5,964,540  

Yale University Issue, Mandatory Put, Series A, 1.30%, 2/03/20

     10,000,000        9,934,100  

Yale University Issue, Mandatory Put, Series X-2, 1.80%, 2/09/21

     3,000,000        2,994,000  
     

 

 

 
        33,400,470  
     

 

 

 

Florida 2.4%

     

Florida State Board of Education Lottery Revenue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/19

     4,550,000        4,650,555  

Florida State Department of General Services Division Facilities Management Revenue, Facilities Pool, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/21

     7,710,000        8,548,154  

Florida State Municipal Power Agency Revenue, All-Requirements Power Supply Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/25

     1,000,000        1,171,650  

Lee County Transportation Facilities Revenue, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 10/01/19

     2,385,000        2,511,023  

a Miami-Dade County IDA Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management Inc. of Florida Project, Mandatory Put, 1.75%, 11/01/19

     2,000,000        2,001,620  

Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority Revenue, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/24

     4,000,000        4,482,960  
     

 

 

 
        23,365,962  
     

 

 

 

Georgia 2.5%

     

Clarke County School District GO,

     

Sales Tax, 3.00%, 9/01/18

     2,650,000        2,672,128  

Sales Tax, 5.00%, 9/01/19

     2,750,000        2,891,982  

a Cobb County Development Authority Revenue, Georgia Waste Management Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, 1.875%, 10/01/19.

     2,500,000        2,502,500  

Georgia State Municipal Gas Authority Revenue, Gas Portfolio IV Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/19

     9,500,000        9,988,300  

a Monroe County Development Authority PCR,

     

Georgia Power Co. Plant Scherer Project, Mandatory Put, Refunding, First Series, 2.05%, 11/19/21

     3,250,000        3,209,375  

Gulf Power Co. Plant Scherer Project, Mandatory Put, First Series, 1.40%, 9/19/19

     3,750,000        3,709,650  
     

 

 

 
        24,973,935  
     

 

 

 

Hawaii 0.3%

     

Hawaii State Highway Revenue, Series A, 3.00%, 1/01/19

     3,275,000        3,317,804  
     

 

 

 

Idaho 0.6%

     

Canyon County School District No. 131 GO, Refunding, 4.00%, 8/15/18

     1,480,000        1,498,041  

Idaho State GO, TAN, 4.00%, 6/29/18

     4,000,000        4,035,480  
     

 

 

 
        5,533,521  
     

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    67


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

 Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

 Illinois 1.3%

     

 Homer Glen Village GO, Will and Cook Counties, Series A, 4.00%, 12/01/18

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,019,240  

 a Illinois State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Adjustable Rate, University of Chicago, Mandatory Put, 1.65%, 2/01/19

     10,000,000          10,009,900  

 Mount Vernon GO, Jefferson County, AGMC Insured, 3.00%, 12/15/18

     1,475,000        1,491,166  
     

 

 

 
        12,520,306  
     

 

 

 

 Kansas 0.9%

     

 Dodge City GO, Temporary Notes, Series 1, 1.50%, 10/01/19

     2,750,000        2,737,047  

 b Kansas State Department of Transportation Highway Revenue, Refunding, Series B-5, Monthly FRN, 1.455%, (1-month USD LIBOR + 0.40%), 9/01/19

     5,700,000        5,717,043  
     

 

 

 
        8,454,090  
     

 

 

 

 Kentucky 0.9%

     

 a Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Environmental Facilities Revenue, Louisville Gas and Electric Co. Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, 1.25%, 6/03/19

     2,000,000        1,984,220  

 a Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government PCR, Louisville Gas and Electric Co. Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, 2.20%, 8/01/19

     7,000,000        7,029,120  
     

 

 

 
        9,013,340  
     

 

 

 

 Maryland 5.4%

     

 Baltimore County Metropolitan District GO, BAN, 3.00%, 3/16/18

     15,000,000        15,013,650  

a,b Howard County Housing Commission Revenue, Columbia Landing Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, Weekly FRN, 2.34%, (MUNIPSA + 1.25%), 7/01/18

     6,000,000        6,000,600  

 Maryland CDA Department of Housing and Community Development Housing Revenue, FHA Risk-Sharing Insured Pass-Through, Series A, FHA Insured, 1.35%, 6/01/19

     3,860,000        3,843,325  

 Maryland State Department of Transportation Consolidated Transportation Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/19

     7,500,000        7,809,600  

 Maryland State GO,

     

 State and Local Facilities Loan of 2013, Refunding, First Series B, 4.50%, 8/01/19

     8,000,000        8,341,280  

 State and Local Facilities Loan of 2013, Second Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 8/01/23

     11,355,000        12,584,519  
     

 

 

 
        53,592,974  
     

 

 

 

 Massachusetts 2.8%

     

 Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue,

     

 Boston University Issue, Refunding, Series Z-1, 1.50%, 8/01/19

     7,000,000        7,003,850  

 a Partners Healthcare System Issue, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series S-4, 5.00%, 1/25/24

     5,000,000        5,704,850  

 a Williams College Issue, Mandatory Put, Series N, 1.45%, 7/01/21

     3,000,000        2,935,680  

 Massachusetts State Federal Highway Revenue, Grant Anticipation Notes, Accelerated Bridge Program, Series A, 5.00%, 6/15/19

     11,370,000        11,882,218  
     

 

 

 
        27,526,598  
     

 

 

 

 Michigan 1.1%

     

 Michigan Finance Authority Revenue, Unemployment Obligation Assessment, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/20

     10,000,000        10,451,000  
     

 

 

 

 Minnesota 3.3%

     

 Circle Pines ISD No. 12 GO, School Building, Minnesota School District Credit Enhancement Program, Capital Appreciation, Series A, zero cpn., 2/01/19

     650,000        639,834  

 Duluth ISD No. 709 COP, Refunding, Series A, 3.00%, 2/01/19

     2,125,000        2,150,500  

 Hennepin County GO, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 12/01/18

     3,315,000        3,404,837  

 Minneapolis Health Care System Revenue, Fairview Health Services, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 11/15/32

     6,440,000        6,679,954  

 

 

68    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Minnesota (continued)

     

Minnesota State GO,

     

State Trunk Highway, Refunding, Series E, 4.00%, 10/01/20

   $ 3,835,000      $ 4,066,711  

Various Purpose, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/22

     9,175,000          10,361,144  

Minnesota State Higher Education Facilities Authority Revenue, Macalester College, Refunding, 5.00%, 3/01/19

     210,000        217,396  

Northern Municipal Power Agency Electric System Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 1/01/21

     5,000,000        5,443,850  
     

 

 

 
        32,964,226  
     

 

 

 

Mississippi 0.5%

     

a Mississippi Business Finance Corp. Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management Inc. Project, Mandatory Put, 1.35%, 9/01/20

     5,000,000        4,967,100  
     

 

 

 

Missouri 0.9%

     

Platte County School District Park Hill GO, Missouri Direct Deposit Program, Refunding, 3.00%, 3/01/18

     9,245,000        9,245,000  
     

 

 

 

Nevada 2.9%

     

Clark County School District GO, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 6/15/20

     20,000,000        21,454,600  

Nevada State GO, Capital Improvement and Cultural Affairs, Series C, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 6/01/20

     7,115,000        7,180,814  
     

 

 

 
        28,635,414  
     

 

 

 

New Hampshire 0.3%

     

New Hampshire State GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/18

     2,610,000        2,641,503  
     

 

 

 

New Jersey 2.7%

     

Jersey City GO,

     

General Improvement and Qualified Water Improvement, Refunding, Series A, BAM Insured, 4.00%, 8/01/18

     2,000,000        2,021,360  

General Improvement and Qualified Water Improvement, Refunding, Series A, BAM Insured, 4.00%, 8/01/19

     1,330,000        1,375,380  

New Jersey State GO,

     

5.00%, 6/01/18

     5,990,000        6,042,412  

Refunding, Series Q, 5.00%, 8/15/18

     15,885,000        16,138,366  

Ocean County GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/19

     1,125,000        1,179,709  
     

 

 

 
        26,757,227  
     

 

 

 

New Mexico 2.2%

     

a Farmington PCR, Southern California Edison Co. Four Corners Project, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series A, 1.875%, 4/01/20

     9,000,000        8,958,960  

New Mexico State Severance Tax Revenue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 4.00%, 7/01/20

     11,640,000        11,744,993  

Taos County Gross Receipts Tax Revenue, County Education Improvement, BAM Insured, 3.50%, 4/01/19

     1,000,000        1,018,100  
     

 

 

 
        21,722,053  
     

 

 

 

New York 10.3%

     

a Chautauqua County Capital Resource Corp. Revenue, Multi-Mode, Jamestown Center City Development Corp. Project, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Subseries C, 2.00%, 11/01/21

     4,750,000        4,719,980  

Freeport GO, Nassau County, Public Improvement, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/15/19

     1,920,000        1,977,293  

New York City GO,

     

Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series G, 5.00%, 8/01/20

     7,000,000        7,563,010  

Fiscal 2017, Series B, Subseries B-1, 4.00%, 12/01/18

     10,000,000        10,203,700  

Fiscal 2018, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 8/01/18

     8,015,000        8,106,932  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    69


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

New York (continued)

     

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenues,

     

Non-State Supported Debt, Municipal Health Facilities Improvement Program, Lease, New York City Issue, Refunding, Series 1, 5.00%, 1/15/19

   $ 4,000,000      $ 4,011,280  

Non-State Supported Debt, New York University, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/48

     10,800,000        10,940,400  

Secondarily Insured, New York University Credit, Series A, BHAC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/48

     7,490,000        7,587,370  

New York State Dormitory Authority State Personal Income Tax Revenue, General Purpose, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/15/19

     6,095,000        6,470,574  

New York State GO, Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/18

     1,130,000        1,130,000  

New York State HFAR, Affordable Housing, Climate Bond Certified/Green Bonds, Series K, GNMA Secured, 1.50%, 5/01/21

     10,000,000        9,826,500  

New York State Thruway Authority General Junior Indebtedness Obligations Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/19

     15,000,000        15,601,350  

Suffolk County GO,

     

Refunding, Series D, 4.00%, 10/15/19

     3,835,000        3,973,367  

Refunding, Series D, 4.00%, 10/15/20

     4,270,000        4,487,941  

Yonkers GO, Refunding, Series D, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 8/01/19

     4,720,000        4,936,600  
     

 

 

 
         101,536,297  
     

 

 

 

North Carolina 2.4%

     

Charlotte COP, Transit Projects, Phase III, Series B, 3.00%, 6/01/22

     7,500,000        7,506,375  

North Carolina State GO, Refunding, Series C, 4.00%, 5/01/22

     14,655,000        15,911,813  
     

 

 

 
        23,418,188  
     

 

 

 

Ohio 2.4%

     

American Municipal Power Inc. Revenue, Prairie State Energy Campus Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 2/15/20

     7,000,000        7,434,840  

Cincinnati GO, Various Purpose, Improvement and Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/19

     3,000,000        3,178,200  

Cleveland Airport System Revenue, Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 1/01/19

     7,870,000        8,079,106  

a Franklin County Hospital Revenue, Facilities, OhioHealth Corp., Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 11/01/18

     3,995,000        4,057,202  

Marysville Wastewater Treatment System Revenue, Refunding, BAM Insured, 5.00%, 12/01/19

     1,000,000        1,056,730  
     

 

 

 
        23,806,078  
     

 

 

 

Oklahoma 1.3%

     

Oklahoma County Finance Authority Educational Facilities Lease Revenue,

     

Midwest City-Del City Public Schools Project, 5.00%, 10/01/19

     510,000        536,622  

Midwest City-Del City Public Schools Project, 5.00%, 10/01/20

     1,350,000        1,452,411  

Midwest City-Del City Public Schools Project, 5.00%, 10/01/22

     1,000,000        1,114,880  

Tulsa County ISD No.4 BIXBY GO, Combined Purpose, 2.00%, 5/01/18

     10,150,000        10,161,672  
     

 

 

 
        13,265,585  
     

 

 

 

Oregon 2.1%

     

Multnomah County School District No. 1J GO, Portland Public Schools, Series B, 5.00%, 6/15/20

     10,000,000        10,767,000  

Oregon State GO, Full Faith and Credit, Series A, TAN, 5.00%, 9/28/18

     10,000,000        10,209,600  
     

 

 

 
        20,976,600  
     

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 2.8%

     

Lancaster Area Sewer Authority Revenue, BAM Insured, 5.00%, 4/01/18

     3,500,000        3,510,395  

a Lehigh County IDA, PCR, PPL Electric Utilities Corp. Project, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series A, 1.80%, 9/01/22

     10,000,000        9,758,200  

Pennsylvania State GO, Refunding, Second Series, 5.00%, 1/15/20

     10,000,000        10,608,300  

 

 

70    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Pennsylvania (continued)

     

Reading School District GO, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/18

   $ 4,035,000      $ 4,046,016  
     

 

 

 
          27,922,911  
     

 

 

 

Rhode Island 0.7%

     

Rhode Island State and Providence Plantations GO, Consolidated Capital Development Loan, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/18

     6,290,000        6,385,105  
     

 

 

 

Texas 8.8%

     

Austin GO, Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, 4.00%, 9/01/18

     1,500,000        1,520,085  

Austin Water and Wastewater System Revenue, Travis Williamson and Hays Counties, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/20

     5,000,000        5,439,500  

Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority Pass-Through Toll Transport Revenue, State SPUR 601, 5.25%, 8/15/18

     9,485,000        9,514,403  

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue,

     

Education, IDEA Public Schools, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 3.00%, 8/15/20

     2,400,000        2,469,960  

Education, IDEA Public Schools, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 4.00%, 8/15/21

     2,000,000        2,134,860  

Education, IDEA Public Schools, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 4.00%, 8/15/22

     3,200,000        3,450,080  

Comal ISD,

     

GO, School Building, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/01/21

     2,280,000        2,488,210  

GO, School Building, PSF Guarantee, 5.00%, 2/01/22

     2,250,000        2,505,555  

Dallas Area Rapid Transit Sales Tax Revenue, senior lien, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 12/01/48

     5,190,000        5,340,251  

Lewisville ISD, GO, School Building, PSF Guarantee, 3.00%, 8/15/20

     5,070,000        5,232,595  

Northside ISD,

     

GO, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 2.00%, 8/15/19

     3,925,000        3,951,965  

GO, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 4.00%, 8/15/20

     5,940,000        6,272,699  

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue, CHRISTUS Health, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.75%, 7/01/18

     370,000        375,117  

Texas State A&M University System Permanent University Fund Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/19

     5,845,000        6,116,559  

Texas State Revenue, TRAN, 4.00%, 8/30/18

     10,000,000        10,135,200  

Texas Transportation Commission State Highway Fund Revenue,

     

a first tier, Mandatory Put, Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 10/01/21

     3,000,000        3,207,360  

first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/19

     5,000,000        5,192,850  

University of Texas System Revenue,

     

Board of Regents, Financing System, Series J, 5.00%, 8/15/21

     4,000,000        4,425,200  

Financing System, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/22

     6,315,000        7,126,856  
     

 

 

 
        86,899,305  
     

 

 

 

Utah 0.8%

     

Jordan School District GO, Utah School Bond Guaranty Program, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/15/18

     8,000,000        8,084,960  
     

 

 

 

Virginia 0.1%

     

Virginia State HDA Commonwealth Mortgage Revenue, Sub Series C-5, 2.45%, 7/01/19

     1,400,000        1,416,702  
     

 

 

 

Washington 6.0%

     

c Energy Northwest Electric Revenue, Columbia Generating Station, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/23

     5,000,000        5,715,100  

King County Housing Authority Revenue, Birch Creek Apartments Project, 4.40%, 5/01/18

     2,290,000        2,301,084  

King County School District No. 414 Lake Washington GO,

     

Refunding, 4.00%, 12/01/18

     2,705,000        2,758,072  

Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/19

     9,045,000        9,583,901  

Pierce County Sumner School District No. 320 GO, Unlimited Tax, Improvement and Refunding, 4.00%, 12/01/20

     7,250,000        7,695,585  

Snohomish County School District No. 15 Edmonds GO,

     

4.00%, 12/01/19

     5,245,000        5,466,496  

5.00%, 12/01/20

     4,630,000        5,038,274  

5.00%, 12/01/21

     5,020,000        5,589,770  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    71


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Washington (continued)

     

Snoqualmie Valley School District No. 410 GO,

     

King County, Improvement and Refunding, 4.00%, 12/01/18

   $ 2,740,000      $ 2,793,759  

King County, Improvement and Refunding, 4.00%, 12/01/19

     3,815,000        3,976,794  

King County, Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/20

     4,880,000        5,317,199  

King County, Improvement and Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/21

     2,455,000        2,736,490  
     

 

 

 
        58,972,524  
     

 

 

 

Wisconsin 0.9%

     

Fond Du Lac GO,

     

Fond Du Lac County, Refunding, Series B, 2.00%, 4/01/20

     700,000        703,843  

Fond Du Lac County, Refunding, Series B, 2.00%, 4/01/22

     1,000,000        995,330  

Muskego GO, Waukesha County, Promissory Notes, Series A, 2.25%, 9/01/18

     1,500,000        1,501,005  

Wisconsin State GO, Refunding, Series 4, 5.00%, 5/01/19

     5,000,000        5,207,600  
     

 

 

 
        8,407,778  
     

 

 

 

Wyoming 1.4%

     

Sweetwater County 2013 Specific Purpose Tax Joint Powers Board Revenue,

     

4.00%, 6/15/18

     4,330,000        4,338,313  

2.125%, 12/15/18

     565,000        565,249  

5.00%, 12/15/18

     8,645,000        8,668,774  
     

 

 

 
        13,572,336  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds before Short Term Investments (Cost $883,372,163)

          879,412,687  
     

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 10.7%

     

Municipal Bonds 10.7%

     

Colorado 0.0%

     

d Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority Revenue, National Jewish Federation Bond Program, Series B-4, LOC Toronto Dominion Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 12/01/35

     400,000        400,000  
     

 

 

 

Florida 3.1%

     

d St. Lucie County PCR, Florida Power and Light Co. Project, Refunding, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.17%, 9/01/28

     25,300,000        25,300,000  

Tallahassee Consolidated Utility Systems Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/18

     4,680,000        4,779,778  
     

 

 

 
        30,079,778  
     

 

 

 

Hawaii 0.2%

     

Honolulu City and County GO, Series B, 4.00%, 10/01/18

     1,920,000        1,949,990  
     

 

 

 

Minnesota 0.3%

     

d Minneapolis and St. Paul Housing and RDA Health Care System Revenue, Allina Health System, Refunding, Series B-1, LOC JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 11/15/35

     2,600,000        2,600,000  

Minnesota State Higher Education Facilities Authority Revenue, Macalester College, Refunding, 5.00%, 3/01/18

     550,000        550,000  
     

 

 

 
        3,150,000  
     

 

 

 

Missouri 1.0%

     

St. Louis General Fund Revenue, TRAN, 3.00%, 6/01/18

     10,000,000        10,043,300  
     

 

 

 

New York 2.4%

     

d New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Water and Sewer System Revenue,

     

Second General Resolution, Fiscal 2007, Series CC, Sub-Series CC-2, SPA Bank of Montreal, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.11%, 6/15/38

     3,245,000        3,245,000  

Second General Resolution, Fiscal 2014, Refunding, Series AA, Subseries AA-3, SPA Toronto Dominion Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.10%, 6/15/49

     7,300,000        7,300,000  

 

 

72    

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value  

Short Term Investments (continued)

      

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

New York (continued)

      

d New York City Transitional Finance Authority Revenue, Future Tax Secured, Senior, Multi-Modal, Fiscal 2003, Refunding, Subseries A-4, SPA Toronto Dominion Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.10%, 11/01/29

   $ 12,900,000       $ 12,900,000  
      

 

 

 
         23,445,000  
      

 

 

 

North Carolina 1.4%

      

d The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority Health Care Revenue,

      

 Carolinas HealthCare System, Refunding, Series B, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.12%, 1/15/38

     4,000,000         4,000,000  

 Carolinas HealthCare System, Refunding, Series C, SPA JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.12%, 1/15/37

     10,200,000         10,200,000  
      

 

 

 
         14,200,000  
      

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 1.6%

      

d Emmaus General Authority Revenue, SPA Wells Fargo Bank, Weekly VRDN and Put, 1.17%, 12/01/28

     7,460,000         7,460,000  

d Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Turnpike Revenue,

      

 Refunding, Series A-2, Weekly VRDN and Put, 1.79%, (MUNIPSA + 0.70%), 12/01/19

     3,000,000         3,016,170  

 Refunding, Series B, Weekly VRDN and Put, 2.24%, (MUNIPSA + 1.15%), 12/01/19

     5,000,000         5,054,850  
      

 

 

 
         15,531,020  
      

 

 

 

Texas 0.1%

      

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue, Education, IDEA Public Schools, Refunding, PSF Guarantee, 1.50%, 8/15/18

     1,360,000         1,360,734  
      

 

 

 

Wisconsin 0.6%

      

Muskego Revenue, Waukesha County, Note Anticipation Notes, Series A, 2.50%, 9/01/18

     5,750,000         5,782,085  
      

 

 

 

Total Short Term Investments (Cost $105,888,413)

         105,941,907  
      

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $989,260,576) 99.9%

         985,354,594  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.1%

         1,205,968  
      

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

       $ 986,560,562  
      

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 140.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aThe maturity date shown represents the mandatory put date.

bThe coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

cSecurity purchased on a when-issued basis. See Note 1(b).

dVariable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

 

 

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    73


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

     Year Ended February 28,  
      2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.25       $10.57       $10.68       $10.15       $10.98   
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.43       0.46       0.45       0.46       0.47   

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.30     (0.33     (0.11     0.54       (0.84)  
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.13       0.13       0.34       1.00       (0.37)  
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.44     (0.45     (0.45     (0.47     (0.46)  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year.

     $9.94       $10.25       $10.57       $10.68       $10.15   
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     1.30%       1.21%       3.30%       9.99%       (3.20)%   

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     0.66%       0.64%       0.67%       0.65%       0.63%   

Net investment income

     4.22%       4.36%       4.32%       4.39%       4.64%   

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

         $4,608,917       $5,030,901       $5,117,876       $5,244,428       $5,014,941   

Portfolio turnover rate

     6.98%       12.26%       11.81%       8.29%       17.08%   

 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

    

Year Ended 

 

February 28, 

 

2018a 

 

Class M

  

Per share operating performance

  

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

  

Net asset value, beginning of year

   $10.06 
  

 

Income from investment operationsb:

  

  Net investment incomec

   0.04 

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

   (0.12)
  

 

Total from investment operations

   (0.08)
  

 

Less distributions from net investment income

   (0.04)
  

 

Net asset value, end of year.

   $  9.94 
  

 

Total returnd

   (0.78)% 

Ratios to average net assetse

  

Expenses

   0.56% 

Net investment income

   4.32% 

Supplemental data

  

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

   $5 

Portfolio turnover rate

   6.98% 

aFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable, and is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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    75


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Year Ended February 28,
  

 

 

     2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014 

 

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.44       $10.76       $10.86       $10.31     $11.14 
  

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.38       0.41       0.40       0.41     0.42 

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.30     (0.34     (0.11     0.55     (0.85)
  

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.08       0.07       0.29       0.96     (0.43)
  

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.39     (0.39     (0.39     (0.41   (0.40)
  

 

 

Net asset value, end of year.

                 $10.13       $10.44       $10.76       $10.86     $10.31 
  

 

 

Total returnd

     0.71%       0.62%       2.78%       9.43%     (3.77)% 

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     1.21%       1.19%       1.22%       1.20%     1.18% 

Net investment income

     3.67%       3.81%       3.77%       3.84%     4.09% 

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $870,227       $1,025,186       $1,062,643       $1,100,883     $1,042,823 

Portfolio turnover rate

     6.98%       12.26%       11.81%       8.29%     17.08% 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

   

Year Ended

 

    February 28,

 

2018a

 

 

 

Class R6

 

Per share operating performance

 

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

 

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $10.31   
 

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

 

  Net investment incomec

    0.27   

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.34)  
 

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

    (0.07)  
 

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.26)  
 

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year.

    $9.98   
 

 

 

 

Total returnd

    (0.68)%   

Ratios to average net assetse

 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.52%   

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.51%   

Net investment income

    4.37%   

Supplemental data

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $152,255   

Portfolio turnover rate

    6.98%   

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

dTotal return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

eRatios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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    77


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Year Ended February 28,
  

 

 

     2018     2017     2016a     2015     2014 

 

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

          

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $10.30       $10.61       $10.72       $10.18     $11.02 
  

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

          

  Net investment incomec

     0.44       0.47       0.46       0.47     0.49 

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.31     (0.32     (0.11     0.55     (0.86)
  

 

 

Total from investment operations

     0.13       0.15       0.35       1.02     (0.37)
  

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.45     (0.46     (0.46     (0.48   (0.47)
  

 

 

Net asset value, end of year.

     $9.98       $10.30       $10.61       $10.72     $10.18 
  

 

 

Total return

     1.29%       1.39%       3.39%       10.16%     (3.19)% 

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     0.56%       0.54%       0.57%       0.55%     0.53% 

Net investment income

     4.32%       4.46%       4.42%       4.49%     4.74% 

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $1,070,254       $1,898,648       $2,167,363       $2,194,757     $1,737,090 

Portfolio turnover rate

     6.98%       12.26%       11.81%       8.29%     17.08% 

aFor the year ended February 29.

bThe amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

cBased on average daily shares outstanding.

 

 

78    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     Units      Value  

 

 

Common Stocks and Other Equity Interests (Cost $717,086) 0.0%

     

Consumer Discretionary 0.0%

     

a,b,c 1155 Island Avenue LLC, LP

     9,185,586      $ 717,082  
     

 

 

 
     Principal
Amount
        
  

 

 

    

Corporate Bonds (Cost $4,536,593) 0.1%

     

Consumer Discretionary 0.1%

     

d 1155 Island Avenue LLC, PIK, 10.00% (all cash), 12/11/24

   $ 4,536,593        4,537,410  
     

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds 98.5%

     

Alabama 2.4%

     

Alabama State Port Authority Docks Facilities Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 10/01/40

     6,000,000        6,661,500  

Cullman County Health Care Authority GO, Refunding, Series A, 7.00%, 2/01/36

     7,500,000        7,705,725  

Jefferson County Sewer Revenue,

     

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/28

     7,350,000        4,107,548  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/29

       13,465,000        6,912,662  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/30

     19,050,000        8,991,409  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/31

     24,845,000        10,742,978  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/32

     30,825,000        12,246,772  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/33

     35,700,000        13,051,206  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/34

     28,020,000        9,406,314  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/35

     15,000,000        4,630,500  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series E, zero cpn., 10/01/36

     12,425,000        3,520,003  

Capital Appreciation, wts., sub. lien, Refunding, Series F, zero cpn. to 9/30/23, 7.50% thereafter, 10/01/39

     75,000,000        62,379,000  

Prattville IDB Environmental Improvement Revenue, International Paper Co. Projects, Series A, 9.25%, 3/01/33

     5,500,000        5,911,730  

Selma IDBR,

     

Gulf Opportunity Zone, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 5.80%, 5/01/34

     3,000,000        3,253,470  

Gulf Opportunity Zone, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 5.375%, 12/01/35

     3,250,000        3,600,545  
     

 

 

 
          163,121,362  
     

 

 

 

Arizona 2.1%

     

Arizona Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Catholic Healthcare West, Series B, Sub Series B-1, 5.25%, 3/01/39

     10,000,000        10,721,700  

Maricopa County PCC,

     

PCR, El Paso Electric Co. Palo Verde Project, Series A, 7.25%, 4/01/40

     20,000,000        21,103,200  

PCR, Public Service Co. of New Mexico Palo Verde Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.25%, 1/01/38

     15,000,000        16,191,000  

Phoenix Civic Improvement Corp. Airport Revenue, junior lien, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     20,000,000        21,549,000  

Pima County IDAR, Tucson Electric Power Co. Project, Series A, 5.25%, 10/01/40

     15,405,000        16,548,975  

Pinal County Electrical District No. 3 Electric System Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/41

     10,000,000        11,141,100  

Salt Verde Financial Corp. Senior Gas Revenue,

     

5.25%, 12/01/25

     6,000,000        6,935,760  

5.50%, 12/01/29

     11,105,000        13,323,557  

Tempe IDAR,

     

Mirabella at ASU Project, Series A, 6.00%, 10/01/37

     1,200,000        1,228,896  

Mirabella at ASU Project, Series A, 6.125%, 10/01/47

     1,400,000        1,436,106  

Mirabella at ASU Project, Series A, 6.125%, 10/01/52

     1,400,000        1,430,940  

University Medical Center Corp. Hospital Revenue,

     

Tucson, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 7/01/24

     250,000        264,383  

Tucson, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 7/01/29

     1,000,000        1,060,810  

Tucson, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 7/01/39

     1,500,000        1,595,100  

 

 

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Annual Report      

  

 

    79


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

     Principal
Amount
     Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

Arizona (continued)

     

Yuma County IDA Water and Sewer Exempt Facility Revenue, Far West Water and Sewer Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.375%, 12/01/37

   $   15,500,000      $ 14,599,760  
     

 

 

 
          139,130,287  
     

 

 

 

California 20.8%

     

Alvord USD, GO, Riverside County, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2007, Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/41

     30,750,000        11,301,547  

Azusa Special Tax, CFD No. 2005-1, Rosedale, Improvement Area No. 1, 5.00%, 9/01/37

     3,715,000        3,751,221  

California County Tobacco Securitization Agency Tobacco Settlement Revenue,

     

Asset-Backed, Alameda County Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp., 5.875%, 6/01/35

     3,700,000        3,738,258  

Asset-Backed, Kern County Tobacco Funding Corp., Refunding, 4.00%, 6/01/29

     11,130,000        11,140,240  

California Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

     

Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Series A, 6.50%, 11/01/24

     5,000,000        5,404,000  

Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Series A, 6.50%, 11/01/38

     8,000,000        8,654,720  

California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank Revenue,

     

North County Center for Self-Sufficiency Corp. Project, AMBAC Insured, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     10,300,000        11,617,164  

North County Center for Self-Sufficiency Corp. Project, AMBAC Insured, 5.00%, 12/01/35

     5,000,000        5,619,950  

California State GO,

     

Various Purpose, 6.00%, 4/01/38

     28,725,000        30,095,470  

Various Purpose, 5.25%, 11/01/40

     47,000,000        51,031,660  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.25%, 3/01/30

     70,000,000        75,059,600  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.50%, 3/01/40

     60,000,000        64,397,400  

Various Purpose, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/41

     10,000,000        11,020,500  

California State Municipal Finance Authority Revenue,

     

California Baptist University, Series A, 5.50%, 11/01/45

     17,400,000        19,131,300  

California Baptist University, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/46

     6,800,000        7,267,500  

Harbor Regional Center Project, Pre-Refunded, 8.50%, 11/01/39

     5,000,000        5,560,550  

California State PCFA Solid Waste Disposal Revenue,

     

CalPlant I Project, Green Bonds, 7.50%, 7/01/32

     24,500,000        23,909,550  

CalPlant I Project, Green Bonds, 8.00%, 7/01/39

     10,000,000        10,011,200  

California State PCFA Water Facilities Revenue, American Water Capital Corp. Project, 5.25%, 8/01/40

     6,000,000        6,424,860  

California State Public Works Board Lease Revenue,

     

Trustees of the California State University, J. Paul Leonard and Sutro Library, Series J, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 11/01/29

     7,365,000        7,912,514  

Trustees of the California State University, J. Paul Leonard and Sutro Library, Series J, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 11/01/34

     17,560,000        18,865,410  

Various Capital Projects, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/30

     17,785,000        19,732,635  

California Statewide CDA Revenue,

     

American Baptist Homes of the West, Refunding, 6.00%, 10/01/29

     3,125,000        3,314,938  

American Baptist Homes of the West, Refunding, 6.25%, 10/01/39

     5,000,000        5,285,500  

Lancer Educational Student Housing Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/36

     7,210,000        7,623,566  

Loma Linda University Medical Center, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 12/01/44

     13,000,000        13,959,790  

Loma Linda University Medical Center, Series A, 5.25%, 12/01/56

     3,000,000        3,206,670  

Monterey Institute International, 5.50%, 7/01/31

     11,165,000        11,435,751  

Centinela Valley UHSD, GO, Los Angeles County, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2010, Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/37

     8,400,000        3,145,380  

Compton Community College District GO,

     

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/30

     3,425,000        1,926,015  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/32

     4,000,000        1,951,800  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/34

     4,560,000        1,919,350  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/36

     5,250,000        1,910,475  

 

 

80    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
          Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

       

California (continued)

       

Compton Community College District GO, (continued)

       

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/37

   $ 3,065,000        $       1,036,951  

Capital Appreciation, Election of 2002, Series D, BAM Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/38

     6,000,000          1,888,560  

Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road Revenue,

       

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn. to 1/15/24, 5.40% thereafter, 1/15/30

     10,000,000          8,814,700  

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn. to 1/15/24, 5.50% thereafter, 1/15/31

     7,295,000          6,515,237  

junior lien, Refunding, Series C, 6.25%, 1/15/33

     17,580,000          20,695,352  

junior lien, Refunding, Series C, 6.50%, 1/15/43

     28,790,000          33,920,378  

Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp. Enhanced Tobacco Settement Revenue, Asset-Backed,
Capital Appreciation, First Subordinate, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/47

     50,000,000          6,831,500  

Los Angeles Department of Airports Revenue, Los Angeles International Airport, Senior, Series D,
5.00%, 5/15/40

     52,685,000          56,367,681  

Los Angeles USD, GO, Series KRY, 5.25%, 7/01/34

     36,625,000          39,547,675  

M-S-R Energy Authority Gas Revenue,

       

Series B, 6.125%, 11/01/29

     30,505,000          37,590,091  

Series B, 7.00%, 11/01/34

     20,000,000          28,091,400  

Series C, 6.50%, 11/01/39

     20,000,000          27,848,600  

Novato RDA Tax Allocation, Hamilton Field Redevelopment Project, 6.75%, 9/01/40

     3,750,000          4,244,213  

Palmdale Elementary School District Special Tax,

       

CFD No. 90-1, Capital Appreciation, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/28

     1,500,000          1,039,785  

CFD No. 90-1, Capital Appreciation, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/30

     1,250,000          785,275  

CFD No. 90-1, Capital Appreciation, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/31

     1,250,000          749,475  

CFD No. 90-1, Capital Appreciation, Series A, AGMC Insured, zero cpn. to 8/01/25, 5.625%
thereafter, 8/01/34

     2,500,000          1,974,500  

Riverside County Transportation Commission Toll Revenue,

       

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/32

     4,000,000          2,227,960  

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/33

     5,500,000          2,913,955  

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/41

     5,000,000          1,813,700  

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/42

     7,000,000          2,425,080  

senior lien, Series A, 5.75%, 6/01/44

     6,065,000          6,753,559  

San Buenaventura Revenue,

       

Community Memorial Health System, 8.00%, 12/01/31

     10,000,000          11,471,800  

Community Memorial Health System, 7.50%, 12/01/41

     15,000,000          16,797,600  

San Diego USD,

       

GO, Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series
E, zero cpn. to 7/01/32, 5.25% thereafter, 7/01/42

     44,565,000          28,793,001  

GO, Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series
E, zero cpn. to 7/01/32, 5.375% thereafter, 7/01/47

     33,305,000          22,040,250  

GO, Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series
G, zero cpn., 7/01/34

     5,000,000          2,370,600  

GO, Dedicated Unlimited Ad Valorem Property Tax, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series
G, zero cpn., 7/01/35

     10,000,000          4,452,300  

San Francisco City and County COP, Multiple Capital Improvement Projects, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/29

     10,000,000          10,371,400  

San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road Revenue,

       

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, zero cpn. to 7/15/21, 5.75% thereafter, 1/15/41

     35,256,000          33,897,586  

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, zero cpn. to 7/15/21, 5.75% thereafter, 1/15/42

     35,256,000          33,960,342  

junior lien, Capital Appreciation, ETM, zero cpn., 1/01/24

     52,700,000          46,575,733  

junior lien, Capital Appreciation, ETM, zero cpn., 1/01/25

     45,200,000          38,768,040  

junior lien, Capital Appreciation, ETM, zero cpn., 1/01/26

     131,900,000          109,339,824  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    81


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

California (continued)

      

San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor Agency Toll Road Revenue, (continued)

      

junior lien, Capital Appreciation, ETM, zero cpn., 1/01/27

   $ 139,100,000       $  111,211,841

junior lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.25%, 1/15/44

     20,000,000       21,839,000

junior lien, Refunding, Series B, 5.25%, 1/15/49

     25,000,000       27,219,750

San Jose Special Hotel Tax Revenue, Convention Center Expansion and Renovation Project, 6.50%, 5/01/42

     10,000,000       11,395,800

San Mateo UHSD, GO, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2010, Refunding, Series A, zero cpn. to 9/01/28, 6.70% thereafter, 9/01/41

     20,000,000       16,637,000

San Mateo-Foster City School District GO, Capital Appreciation, Election of 2008, Series A, zero cpn. to 8/01/26, 6.625% thereafter, 8/01/42

     50,000,000       42,490,000

San Ysidro School District GO,

      

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/42

     10,000,000       3,111,000

Capital Appreciation, Refunding, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 8/01/43

     12,500,000       3,676,125

Silicon Valley Tobacco Securitization Authority Tobacco Settlement Revenue, Turbo-Santa Clara, Capital Appreciation, Series A, zero cpn., 6/01/36

     15,000,000       5,331,450

South Bayside Waste Management Authority Solid Waste Enterprise Revenue, Shoreway Environmental Center, Series A, 6.00%, 9/01/36

     7,740,000       8,225,221

Southern California Public Power Authority Gas Project Revenue, Project No. 1, Series A, 5.25%, 11/01/27

     9,855,000       11,549,370

Tobacco Securitization Authority Southern California Tobacco Settlement Revenue, First Subordinate Capital Appreciation, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/46

     50,000,000       7,750,500
      

 

       1,390,677,644
      

 

Colorado 3.9%

      

Brighton Crossing Metropolitan District No. 4 GO,

      

Adams County, Limited Tax, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/37

     525,000       538,178

Adams County, Limited Tax, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/47

     1,220,000       1,242,643

Colorado Health Facilities Authority Revenue,

      

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/45

     14,000,000       14,963,200

Fraiser Meadows Retirement Community Project, Improvement, Series B, 5.00%, 5/15/48

     4,085,000       4,282,755

Frasier Meadows Retirement Community Project, Refunding and Improvement, Series A, 5.25%, 5/15/47

     4,250,000       4,655,407

Hospital, Refunding, Series C, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 3/01/40

     20,000,000       20,650,400

Copperleaf Metropolitan District No. 2 GO, Refunding, 5.75%, 12/01/45

     2,000,000       2,096,320

Cornerstar Metropolitan District GO,

      

City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, Limited Tax, Refunding, Series A, 5.125%, 12/01/37

     1,000,000       1,033,160

City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, Limited Tax, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 12/01/47

     2,600,000       2,681,536

Denver Health and Hospital Authority Healthcare Revenue,

      

Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 12/01/35

     5,000,000       4,778,900

Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 12/01/36

     5,000,000       4,740,050

E-470 Public Highway Authority Revenue,

      

Current Interest, Senior, Series C, 5.375%, 9/01/26

     5,000,000       5,384,950

senior bond, Capital Appreciation, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 9/01/28

     15,000,000       10,346,100

senior bond, Capital Appreciation, Series B, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 9/01/29

     10,000,000       5,636,700

senior bond, Capital Appreciation, Series B, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 9/01/30

     17,300,000       9,193,739

senior bond, Capital Appreciation, Series B, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 9/01/31

     10,000,000       5,010,600

Leyden Rock Metropolitan District No. 10 GO,

      

Refunding and Improvement, Series A, 4.375%, 12/01/33

     750,000       743,633

Refunding and Improvement, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     1,250,000       1,269,212

The Plaza Metropolitan District No. 1 Revenue, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/40

     3,000,000       3,098,220

 

 

82    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
            Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

       

Colorado (continued)

       

Public Authority for Colorado Energy Natural Gas Purchase Revenue,

       

6.125%, 11/15/23

   $ 2,465,000        $       2,921,222  

6.25%, 11/15/28

     12,500,000          15,571,125  

6.50%, 11/15/38

     80,100,000          110,192,769  

Regional Transportation District COP,

       

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/25

     1,115,000          1,186,594  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 6/01/25

     12,385,000          13,299,137  

Sierra Ridge Metropolitan District No. 2 GO, Douglas County, Limited Tax, Senior, Series A, 5.50%, 12/01/46

     1,500,000          1,532,040  

Southglenn Metropolitan District Special Revenue,

       

In the City of Centennial Colorado, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     3,470,000          3,608,626  

In the City of Centennial Colorado, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/36

     810,000          828,079  

In the City of Centennial Colorado, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/46

     4,200,000          4,259,640  

Southlands Metropolitan District No. 1 GO,

       

Aurora, Arapahoe County, Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 12/01/37

     500,000          535,830  

Aurora, Arapahoe County, Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 12/01/47

     1,000,000          1,061,740  

Aurora, Arapahoe County, Refunding, Series A-2, 5.00%, 12/01/37

     200,000          214,332  

Aurora, Arapahoe County, Refunding, Series A-2, 5.00%, 12/01/47

     325,000          345,066  

e Villages Castle Rock Metropolitan District No. 4 Revenue, Refunding, 8.50%, 12/01/10

     3,000,000          2,400,000  
       

 

 

 
          260,301,903  
       

 

 

 

Connecticut 0.4%

       

Connecticut State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

       

Church Home of Hartford Inc. Project, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/46

     1,490,000          1,528,367  

Church Home of Hartford Inc. Project, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/53

     4,650,000          4,746,813  

Masonicare Issue, Refunding, Series F, 5.00%, 7/01/37

     5,500,000          5,926,525  

Masonicare Issue, Refunding, Series F, 5.00%, 7/01/43

     13,000,000          13,884,130  
       

 

 

 
          26,085,835  
       

 

 

 

District of Columbia 3.1%

       

District of Columbia Hospital Revenue, Children’s Hospital Obligated Group Issue, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/15/38

     11,000,000          11,161,480  

District of Columbia Revenue,

       

American Society of Hematology Issue, 5.00%, 7/01/36

     1,500,000          1,639,410  

American Society of Hematology Issue, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     9,515,000          10,370,874  

Assn. of American Medical Colleges Issue, Series B, 5.25%, 10/01/36

     12,425,000          13,288,537  

Assn. of American Medical Colleges Issue, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/41

     5,010,000          5,291,813  

The Catholic University of America Issue, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 10/01/34

     3,750,000          3,829,950  

Center for Strategic and International Studies Inc. Issue, Pre-Refunded, 6.375%, 3/01/31

     5,200,000          5,800,184  

Center for Strategic and International Studies Inc. Issue, Pre-Refunded, 6.625%, 3/01/41

     5,500,000          6,253,665  

Deed Tax, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/40

     13,000,000          13,769,860  

The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia Issue, Series A, 5.125%, 1/01/35

     1,565,000          1,482,900  

The Methodist Home of the District of Columbia Issue, Series A, 5.25%, 1/01/39

     1,015,000          950,365  

District of Columbia Tobacco Settlement FICO Revenue,

       

Asset-Backed, Refunding, 6.50%, 5/15/33

     19,295,000          21,732,537  

Capital Appreciation, Asset-Backed, Series A, zero cpn., 6/15/46

     175,000,000          25,476,500  

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Dulles Toll Road Revenue, Dulles Metrorail and Capital Improvement Projects, Convertible Capital Appreciation, second senior lien, Series C, Assured Guaranty, 6.50%, 10/01/41

     60,145,000          76,068,389  

Washington Convention and Sports Authority Dedicated Tax Revenue, Convention Center Hotel Project, senior lien, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/40

     10,000,000          10,657,000  
       

 

 

 
          207,773,464  
       

 

 

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    83


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Florida 6.8%

      

Brevard County Health Facilities Authority Health Facilities Revenue, Health First Inc. Project, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 4/01/39

   $ 6,500,000       $       6,877,325  

Brooks of Bonita Springs CDD Capital Improvement Revenue, 6.85%, 5/01/31

     930,000         931,144  

Cape Coral Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Senior Housing, Gulf Care Inc. Project, Refunding, 6.00%, 7/01/45

     5,250,000         5,675,460  

Capital Trust Agency Retirement Facility Revenue, Sarasota-Manatee Jewish Housing Council Inc. Project ACCD Investments, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     3,250,000         3,281,168  

Championsgate CDD Capital Improvement Revenue, Series A, 6.25%, 5/01/20

     720,000         721,706  

Collier County Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

      

Ave Maria University Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.00%, 6/01/33

     5,500,000         6,040,155  

Ave Maria University Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.00%, 6/01/38

     12,000,000         13,107,120  

Hodges University Inc. Project, 6.125%, 11/01/43

     10,035,000         11,100,215  

Escambia County Environmental Improvement Revenue, International Paper Co. Projects, Series A, 9.50%, 3/01/33

     7,975,000         8,591,627  

f Florida Development Finance Corp. Surface Transportation Facility Revenue, Brightline Passenger Rail Project-South Segment, Mandatory Put, 5.625%, 1/01/28

       10,000,000         10,312,300  

Florida State Board of Education GO, Public Education Capital Outlay, Refunding, Series D, 6.00%, 6/01/23

     5,000,000         5,994,150  

Florida State Mid-Bay Bridge Authority Revenue, first senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/40

     3,000,000         3,299,370  

Greenway ID Special Assessment Revenue, 5.125%, 5/01/43

     38,945,000         39,355,480  

Hillsborough County IDA, PCR, Tampa Electric Co. Project, Series A, 5.65%, 5/15/18

     6,525,000         6,578,309  

Indian Trace Development District Special Assessment, Isles at Weston Project, 5.50%, 5/01/33

     2,295,000         2,300,003  

Indigo CDD Capital Improvement Revenue,

      

Refunding, Series A, 7.00%, 5/01/31

     695,000         695,466  

g Refunding, Series C, 7.00%, 5/01/30

     4,123,752         1,855,688  

Lakeland Hospital Revenue, Lakeland Regional Health Systems, 5.00%, 11/15/40

     21,575,000         23,398,519  

Lakeland Retirement Community Revenue,

      

first mortgage, Carpenters Estates, Accredited Investors, Refunding, 5.875%, 1/01/19

     385,000         396,438  

first mortgage, Carpenters Estates, Accredited Investors, Refunding, 6.25%, 1/01/28

     1,230,000         1,258,290  

first mortgage, Carpenters Estates, Accredited Investors, Refunding, 6.375%, 1/01/43

     2,250,000         2,296,418  

Martin County Health Facilities Authority Hospital Revenue,

      

Martin Memorial Medical Center, 5.50%, 11/15/42

     3,800,000         4,127,598  

Martin Memorial Medical Center, 5.00%, 11/15/45

     7,500,000         7,869,225  

Miami World Center CDD Special Assessment,

      

5.125%, 11/01/39

     2,000,000         2,088,980  

5.25%, 11/01/49

     2,500,000         2,637,800  

Miami-Dade County Aviation Revenue,

      

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/38

     40,000,000         44,216,000  

Miami International Airport, Refunding, Series A, 5.50%, 10/01/41

     20,850,000         22,714,615  

Miami-Dade County Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, University of Miami Issue, Refunding, Series B, AMBAC Insured, 5.25%, 4/01/27

     10,995,000         12,862,611  

Miami-Dade County Expressway Authority Toll System Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     44,360,000         47,134,274  

Miami-Dade County Professional Sports Franchise Facilities Revenue, Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, Assured Guaranty, zero cpn., 10/01/45

     25,000,000         7,411,000  

Miami-Dade County School Board COP, Master Lease Purchase Agreement, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 5/01/31

     7,985,000         8,823,824  

North Sumter County Utility Dependent District Utility Revenue,

      

sub. bond, 6.00%, 10/01/30

     3,780,000         4,161,364  

sub. bond, 6.25%, 10/01/43

     6,865,000         7,576,832  

 

 

84    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
            Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

       

Florida (continued)

       

Northern Palm Beach County ID Special Assessment,

       

Water Control and Improvement, Unit of Development No. 2C, 5.00%, 8/01/34

   $ 2,700,000        $       2,824,875  

Water Control and Improvement, Unit of Development No. 2C, 5.00%, 8/01/37

     750,000          790,860  

Water Control and Improvement, Unit of Development No. 2C, 5.00%, 8/01/46

     3,000,000          3,139,770  

Water Control and Improvement, Unit of Development No. 2C, 5.20%, 8/01/46

     6,000,000          6,265,500  

Orange County Health Facilities Authority Revenue,

       

Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project, 5.00%, 8/01/41

     5,300,000          5,820,619  

Presbyterian Retirement Communities Project, 5.00%, 8/01/47

     6,285,000          6,882,641  

Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority Revenue, Series C, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     7,965,000          8,562,933  

Palm Beach County Health Facilities Authority Revenue, Retirement Communities, ACTS Retirement- Life Communities Inc., Obligated Group, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/32

     8,180,000          9,217,551  

Pelican Marsh CDD Special Assessment Revenue,

       

Refunding, 4.875%, 5/01/22

     800,000          801,216  

Refunding, 5.375%, 5/01/31

     1,295,000          1,309,569  

Pensacola Airport Revenue, Refunding, 6.00%, 10/01/28

     7,000,000          7,173,040  

g Portofino Landings CDD Special Assessment, Series A, 5.40%, 5/01/38

     2,705,000          1,082,000  

River Place St. Lucie CDD Special Assessment Revenue,

       

Series A, 7.625%, 5/01/21

     600,000          508,710  

Series A, 7.625%, 5/01/30

     1,590,000          1,233,284  

Somerset CDD Revenue, Capital Improvement, 5.30%, 5/01/37

     6,530,000          6,529,739  

South Broward Hospital District Revenue, South Broward Hospital District Obligated Group, Pre- Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/36

     12,500,000          12,577,500  

Village CDD No. 6 Special Assessment Revenue, Refunding, 4.00%, 5/01/35

     3,735,000          3,747,624  

Village CDD No. 8 Special Assessment Revenue, 6.375%, 5/01/38

     6,700,000          6,771,757  

Village CDD No. 9 Special Assessment Revenue,

       

6.75%, 5/01/31

     7,035,000          7,899,953  

7.00%, 5/01/41

     6,240,000          7,187,544  

Refunding, 5.00%, 5/01/22

     965,000          1,003,243  

Refunding, 5.25%, 5/01/31

     1,920,000          2,062,138  

Refunding, 5.50%, 5/01/42

     1,915,000          2,071,360  

Village CDD No. 10 Special Assessment Revenue,

       

5.75%, 5/01/31

     1,800,000          2,060,622  

5.00%, 5/01/32

     5,530,000          6,105,562  

5.125%, 5/01/43

     8,400,000          9,315,684  

6.00%, 5/01/44

     7,800,000          9,069,372  

Westchase East CDD Capital Improvement Revenue, 7.10%, 5/01/21

     425,000          426,887  
          458,132,027  

Georgia 2.0%

       

The Atlanta Development Authority Senior Health Care Facilities Revenue, Georgia Proton Treatment Center Project, Series A-1, 7.00%, 1/01/40

     5,000,000          5,135,050  

Atlanta Water and Wastewater Revenue,

       

Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 11/01/34

       10,600,000          11,201,974  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 11/01/34

     30,000,000          32,301,300  

Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 11/01/34

     19,400,000          20,587,280  

b,g Baldwin County Hospital Authority Revenue, Oconee Regional Medical Center, 5.375%, 12/01/28

     1,470,000          15  

Forsyth County Hospital Authority Revenue,

       

Anticipation Certificates, Georgia Baptist Health Care System Project, ETM, 6.25%, 10/01/18

     780,000          802,246  

Anticipation Certificates, Georgia Baptist Health Care System Project, ETM, 6.375%, 10/01/28

     8,000,000          9,860,560  

Georgia Municipal Electric Authority Revenue, Plant Vogtle Units 3 and 4 Project J, Series A, 5.50%, 7/01/60

     17,000,000          18,832,940  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    85


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
          Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

       

Georgia (continued)

       

Main Street Natural Gas Inc. Revenue,

       

Gas Project, Series A, 5.50%, 9/15/25

   $     5,000,000          $      5,870,600  

Gas Project, Series A, 5.50%, 9/15/27

     4,000,000          4,772,680  

Gas Project, Series A, 5.50%, 9/15/28

     10,000,000          11,993,700  

Richmond County Development Authority Environmental Improvement Revenue, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 6.25%, 11/01/33

     7,000,000          7,514,150  

Savannah EDA Revenue, Recovery Zone Facility, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 6.25%, 11/01/33

     4,865,000          5,222,334  
       

 

 

 
          134,094,829  
       

 

 

 

Hawaii 0.2%

       

Hawaii State Department of Budget and Finance Special Purpose Revenue,

       

Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. and Subsidiary Projects, 6.50%, 7/01/39

     7,500,000          7,924,350  

Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. and Subsidiary Projects, Refunding, Series B, 4.00%, 3/01/37

     5,000,000          5,021,200  
       

 

 

 
          12,945,550  
       

 

 

 

Idaho 0.4%

       

Idaho State Health Facilities Authority Revenue, St. Luke’s Health System Project, Series A, 6.75%, 11/01/37

     12,500,000          12,887,875  

Idaho State Housing and Finance Assn. EDR, TDF Facilities Project, Series A, 7.00%, 2/01/36

     13,305,000          14,794,628  
       

 

 

 
          27,682,503  
       

 

 

 

Illinois 4.9%

       

Bolingbrook GO, Will and DuPage Counties, Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series A, zero cpn., 1/01/35

     19,800,000          8,539,344  

Bourbonnais Industrial Project Revenue, Olivet Nazarene University Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 11/01/40

     3,570,000          3,918,825  

Bryant PCR, Central Illinois Light Co. Project, Refunding, NATL Insured, 5.90%, 8/01/23

     5,000          5,021  

Bureau County Township High School District No. 502 GO, School Building, Series A, BAM Insured,
Pre-Refunded, 6.625%, 10/01/43

     5,250,000          6,513,570  

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Revenue,

       

Passenger Facility Charge, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     12,555,000          13,179,611  

Passenger Facility Charge, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/40

     20,430,000          21,423,919  

Chicago Transit Authority Sales Tax Receipts Revenue,

       

5.25%, 12/01/36

     11,000,000          11,947,760  

5.00%, 12/01/44

     10,000,000          10,906,500  

Cook County GO, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 11/15/29

     34,555,000          37,374,688  

Illinois State Finance Authority Education Revenue,

       

Illinois Charter Schools Project - Noble Network of Charter Schools, Refunding, 5.00%, 9/01/25

     2,750,000          3,041,693  

Illinois Charter Schools Project - Noble Network of Charter Schools, Refunding, 5.00%, 9/01/32

     3,750,000          4,006,913  

h Illinois State Finance Authority MFHR,

       

Better Housing Foundation ERNST Portfolio Project, Series A-1, 5.10%, 12/01/43

     1,600,000          1,588,080  

Better Housing Foundation ERNST Portfolio Project, Series A-1, 5.25%, 12/01/53

     2,600,000          2,577,380  

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue,

       

Institute of Technology, 6.50%, 2/01/23

     1,000,000          1,029,820  

Institute of Technology, 7.125%, 2/01/34

     1,500,000          1,530,870  

Mercy Health System Corp., Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/40

     11,980,000          12,918,513  

OSF Healthcare System, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/45

     20,750,000          22,470,175  

Plymouth Place Inc., Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/37

     2,500,000          2,583,775  

Plymouth Place Inc., Refunding, 5.25%, 5/15/45

     1,100,000          1,153,647  

Resurrection Health Care, Series A, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 5/15/29

     14,445,000          14,563,160  

Riverside Health System, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 11/15/35

     3,035,000          3,270,516  

Riverside Health System, Refunding, 6.25%, 11/15/35

     1,965,000          2,091,625  

 

 

86    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Illinois (continued)

      

Illinois State Finance Authority Revenue, (continued)

      

Roosevelt University Project, Refunding, 6.50%, 4/01/39

   $   15,000,000       $      15,775,500

Rosalind Franklin University, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/47

     1,525,000       1,625,116

Rosalind Franklin University Research Building Project, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/46

     1,900,000       2,026,255

Rush University Medical Center Obligated Group, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 7.25%, 11/01/38

     10,000,000       10,388,400

Illinois State Finance Authority Student Housing Revenue,

      

CHF-Cook LLC, Northeastern Illinois University Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     5,335,000       5,225,632

CHF-Cook LLC, Northeastern Illinois University Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/47

     10,000,000       9,455,900

CHF-DeKalb II LLC, Northern Illinois University Project, 6.875%, 10/01/43

     15,000,000       16,398,600

CHF-Normal LLC, Illinois State University Project, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 4/01/43

     7,500,000       8,651,250

Illinois State Finance Authority Water Facility Revenue,

      

American Water Capital Corp. Project, 5.25%, 10/01/39

     15,350,000       15,857,164

American Water Capital Corp. Project, 5.25%, 5/01/40

     10,415,000       10,955,747

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Dedicated State Tax Revenue,

      

McCormick Place Expansion Project, Capital Appreciation, Refunding, Series B-1, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 6/15/45

     18,100,000       5,345,835

McCormick Place Expansion Project, Capital Appreciation, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 6/15/35

     10,000,000       4,404,600

Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority Hospitality Facilities Revenue, McCormick Place Convention Center, ETM, 7.00%, 7/01/26

     7,500,000       9,045,300

Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 6/01/28

     24,650,000       27,900,349

United City of Yorkville Special Tax, Kendall County, Special Service Area Nos. 2005-108 and 2005-109, Refunding, AGMC Insured, 4.00%, 3/01/36

     11,000       10,792
      

 

       329,701,845
      

 

Indiana 0.9%

      

Indiana Finance Authority Midwestern Disaster Relief Revenue, Ohio Valley Electric Corp. Project, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/32

     10,000,000       10,199,900

Indiana Finance Authority Revenue,

      

Baptist Homes of Indiana Senior Living, 5.75%, 11/15/41

     5,000,000       5,432,500

Deaconess Health System Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 3/01/37

     5,000,000       5,116,850

Educational Facilities, Marian University Project, 6.375%, 9/15/41

     12,500,000       13,533,875

Greencroft Obligated Group, Series A, 7.00%, 11/15/43

     5,000,000       5,657,000

Private Activity, Ohio River Bridges East End Crossing Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     12,500,000       13,422,875

Indiana State Municipal Power Agency Revenue, Power Supply System, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/39

     4,000,000       4,153,360

Jasper County PCR, Northern Indiana Public Service Co. Project, Refunding, Series C, NATL Insured, 5.85%, 4/01/19

     5,000,000       5,202,350
      

 

       62,718,710
      

 

Iowa 0.7%

      

Iowa Higher Education Loan Authority Revenue, Private College Facility, Upper Iowa University Project, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 9/01/39

     11,000,000       12,180,190

Tobacco Settlement Authority Tobacco Settlement Revenue, Capital Appreciation, Asset-Backed, Refunding, Series B, 5.60%, 6/01/34

     35,850,000       36,219,972
      

 

       48,400,162
      

 

Kansas 0.1%

      

Kansas State Development Finance Authority Hospital Revenue, Adventist Health System/Sunbelt Obligated Group, Refunding, Series C, 5.75%, 11/15/38

     6,250,000       6,656,563
      

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    87


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Kentucky 1.3%

        

Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority Revenue,

        

Hospital, Owensboro Health Inc., Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/45

   $ 8,950,000         $       9,472,322  

Hospital, Owensboro Medical Health System Inc., Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 3/01/45

       18,330,000           20,222,756  

Louisville Arena Project, Louisville Arena Authority Inc., Series A, Subseries A-1, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 12/01/42

     5,000,000           5,058,550  

Kentucky State Public Transportation Infrastructure Authority First Tier Toll Revenue,

        

Downtown Crossing Project, Capital Appreciation, zero cpn. to 6/30/23, 6.60% thereafter, 7/01/39

     10,000,000           9,211,500  

Downtown Crossing Project, Capital Appreciation, zero cpn. to 6/30/23, 6.75% thereafter, 7/01/43

     5,000,000           4,613,850  

Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government College Revenue,

        

Bellarmine University Inc. Project, Improvement, 5.625%, 5/01/29

     430,000           446,602  

Bellarmine University Inc. Project, Improvement, Pre-Refunded, 5.625%, 5/01/29

     5,125,000           5,470,118  

Bellarmine University Inc. Project, Improvement, Pre-Refunded, 6.125%, 5/01/39

     5,000,000           5,377,650  

Ohio County PCR, Big Rivers Electric Corp. Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.00%, 7/15/31

     10,500,000           10,665,585  

Owen County Waterworks System Revenue,

        

American Water Co. Project, Series A, 6.25%, 6/01/39

     8,000,000           8,441,920  

American Water Co. Project, Series A, 5.375%, 6/01/40

     10,000,000           10,698,900  
           89,679,753  

Louisiana 1.6%

        

Beauregard Parish Revenue, Boise Cascade Corp. Project, Refunding, 6.80%, 2/01/27

     13,990,000           14,035,747  

Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and CDA Revenue,

        

Westlake Chemical Corp. Projects, Series A, 6.50%, 8/01/29

     9,000,000           9,947,250  

Westlake Chemical Corp. Projects, Series A-2, 6.50%, 11/01/35

     8,000,000           8,871,840  

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Hospital Revenue,

        

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 7/01/39

     10,000,000           10,673,600  

Lafayette General Health System Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/41

     2,000,000           2,163,700  

Lafayette General Health System Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/45

     7,405,000           7,990,661  

Louisiana Public Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 5/15/37

     5,000,000           5,702,850  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 5/15/41

     15,500,000           17,798,495  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/15/47

     60,000           71,354  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/46

     20,000,000           21,718,600  

Ochsner Clinic Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/47

     3,755,000           4,065,914  

St. Tammany Public Trust Financing Authority Revenue,

        

Christwood Project, Refunding, 5.25%, 11/15/29

     1,200,000           1,309,452  

Christwood Project, Refunding, 5.25%, 11/15/37

     1,650,000           1,762,118  

Tobacco Settlement FICO Revenue, Tobacco Settlement, Asset-Backed, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 5/15/35

     1,000,000           1,085,000  
           107,196,581  

Maine 0.3%

        

Maine State Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Maine General Medical Center Issue, 6.75%, 7/01/36

     4,250,000           4,631,522  

Maine General Medical Center Issue, 7.00%, 7/01/41

     10,000,000           10,991,500  

Rumford PCR, Boise Cascade Corp. Project, Refunding, 6.625%, 7/01/20

     4,800,000           4,799,520  
           20,422,542  

Maryland 0.4%

        

Baltimore Special Obligation Revenue,

        

Harbor Point Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/36

     1,250,000           1,289,975  

Harbor Point Project, Refunding, 5.125%, 6/01/43

     2,500,000           2,587,325  

Harford County Special Obligation Tax Allocation, Beachtree Estates Project, 7.50%, 7/01/40

     6,970,000           7,289,226  

 

 

88    

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Maryland (continued)

        

Maryland State EDC, EDR, Transportation Facilities Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 6/01/35

   $   13,070,000         $       14,265,251  

Maryland State Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Anne Arundel Health System Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 7/01/39

     3,000,000           3,197,970  
        

 

 

 
           28,629,747  
        

 

 

 

Massachusetts 1.2%

        

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Revenue,

        

General Transportation System, Series A, 7.00%, 3/01/21

     775,000           845,021  

General Transportation System, Series A, 7.00%, 3/01/21

     230,000           230,000  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue,

        

North Hill Communities Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 11/15/28

     2,250,000           2,644,245  

North Hill Communities Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 11/15/33

     2,000,000           2,439,000  

North Hill Communities Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 11/15/43

     4,125,000           5,073,090  

 f Massachusetts State Development Finance Agency Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Mandatory Put, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 5/01/19

     3,700,000           3,879,783  

Massachusetts State Educational Financing Authority Education Loan Revenue, Issue K, Refunding, 5.25%, 7/01/29

     6,940,000           7,386,450  

Massachusetts State Port Authority Special Facilities Revenue, ConRAC Project, Series A, 5.125%, 7/01/41

     10,340,000           11,140,006  

Massachusetts State Special Obligation Dedicated Tax Revenue, Refunding, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 1/01/34

     35,000,000           44,649,150  
        

 

 

 
           78,286,745  
        

 

 

 

Michigan 4.8%

        

Detroit City School District GO, School Building and Site Improvement, Series A, AGMC Insured, 6.00%, 5/01/29

     15,900,000           18,911,460  

Detroit Sewage Disposal System Revenue,

        

second lien, Series B, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 7/01/29

     5,000,000           5,821,500  

second lien, Series B, NATL Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/36

     15,000           15,038  

Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Sewage Disposal System Revenue, senior lien, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 7/01/39

     12,000,000           12,986,880  

Ecorse City GO, Financial Recovery, Dedicated Tax, 6.50%, 11/01/35

     5,215,000           5,930,967  

Grand Rapids EDC,

        

EDR, Beacon Hill at Eastgate Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/37

     600,000           630,954  

EDR, Beacon Hill at Eastgate Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/47

     1,390,000           1,449,436  

EDR, Beacon Hill at Eastgate Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/52

     1,185,000           1,230,942  

Michigan Finance Authority Revenue,

        

Higher Education, Limited Obligation, Thomas M. Cooley Law School Project, Refunding, 6.00%, 7/01/24

     3,000,000           3,153,750  

Higher Education, Limited Obligation, Thomas M. Cooley Law School Project, Refunding, 6.75%, 7/01/44

     5,505,000           5,515,515  

Hospital, Henry Ford Health System, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/41

     5,050,000           5,562,070  

Hospital, Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series MI, 5.00%, 12/01/39

     27,525,000           29,940,043  

Hospital, Trinity Health Credit Group, Series MI, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/39

     75,000           83,513  

Local Government Loan Program, Public Lighting Authority, Local Project, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     7,600,000           8,192,724  

Local Government Loan Program, Public Lighting Authority, Local Project, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     10,000,000           10,727,200  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series C-1, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     10,000,000           10,861,200  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series C-3, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/32

     10,000,000           11,163,300  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    89


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Michigan (continued)

        

Michigan Finance Authority Revenue, (continued)

        

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series C-3, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/33

   $ 3,000,000         $       3,338,010  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series D-1, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/37

     5,000,000           5,523,900  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series D-4, 5.00%, 7/01/29

     11,000,000           12,232,660  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series D-4, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     9,000,000           9,992,070  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Refunding, Series D-4, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     10,000,000           10,975,600  

Local Government Loan Program, senior lien, Series C-6, 5.00%, 7/01/33

     10,000,000           11,005,600  

Michigan Hospital Finance Authority Revenue,

        

MidMichigan Obligated Group, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.125%, 6/01/34

     4,065,000           4,299,998  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/34

     26,810,000           29,493,949  

Trinity Health Credit Group, Series C, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 12/01/34

     2,050,000           2,302,724  

Michigan State Building Authority Revenue,

        

Facilities Program, Refunding, Series I, 6.00%, 10/15/38

     175,000           179,834  

Facilities Program, Refunding, Series II-A, 5.375%, 10/15/41

     10,000,000           11,105,900  

Facilities Program, Series I, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 10/15/38

     5,825,000           5,989,556  

Michigan Tobacco Settlement Finance Authority Revenue,

        

First Subordinate, Capital Appreciation, Series B, zero cpn., 6/01/52.

     150,000,000           9,823,500  

Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed, Senior, Series A, 6.00%, 6/01/34

     2,500,000           2,493,750  

Tobacco Settlement Asset-Backed, Senior, Series A, 6.00%, 6/01/48

     5,000,000           4,987,500  

Royal Oak Hospital Finance Authority Hospital Revenue,

        

William Beaumont Hospital Obligated Group, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 9/01/39

     10,320,000           11,193,485  

William Beaumont Hospital Obligated Group, Series V, Pre-Refunded, 8.25%, 9/01/39

     20,000,000           20,683,600  

William Beaumont Hospital Obligated Group, Series W, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 8/01/39

     33,120,000           35,115,149  
        

 

 

 
           322,913,277  
        

 

 

 

Minnesota 0.3%

        

Minneapolis Health Care System Revenue,

        

Fairview Health Services, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.625%, 11/15/28

     11,000,000           11,400,290  

Fairview Health Services, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 11/15/32

     6,250,000           6,482,875  

Minneapolis Senior Housing and Healthcare Revenue,

        

Ecumen - Abiitan Mill City Project, 5.25%, 11/01/45

     2,800,000           2,891,728  

Ecumen - Abiitan Mill City Project, 5.375%, 11/01/50

     1,000,000           1,001,240  
        

 

 

 
           21,776,133  
        

 

 

 

Mississippi 1.3%

        

Lowndes County Solid Waste Disposal and PCR, Weyerhaeuser Co. Project, Refunding, Series B, 6.70%, 4/01/22

     18,875,000           21,655,099  

Mississippi Hospital Equipment and Facilities Authority Revenue, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/41

     47,000,000           50,009,410  

Warren County Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue,

        

International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 6.50%, 9/01/32

     10,000,000           10,249,300  

International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 5.80%, 5/01/34

     7,000,000           7,591,430  
        

 

 

 
           89,505,239  
        

 

 

 

Missouri 0.7%

        

Cape Girardeau County IDA Health Facilities Revenue, Southeast Health, Refunding, Series A, 6.00%, 3/01/33

     5,350,000           6,095,950  

Kirkwood IDA Retirement Community Revenue,

        

Aberdeen Heights, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 5/15/42

     1,000,000           1,060,580  

Aberdeen Heights, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 5/15/50

     3,500,000           3,690,365  

 

 

90    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Missouri (continued)

        

Missouri State Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission Power Project Revenue, Iatan 2 Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/39

   $ 11,000,000         $       11,421,740  

St. Louis Airport Revenue,

        

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Series A-1, 6.25%, 7/01/29

     7,000,000           7,413,210  

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Series A-1, 6.625%, 7/01/34

     3,000,000           3,188,130  

St. Louis County IDA Senior Living Facilities Revenue, Friendship Village Chesterfield, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 9/01/42

     7,000,000           7,905,310  

Stoddard County IDA Health Facilities Revenue, Southeast Health, Refunding, Series B, 6.00%, 3/01/37

     4,220,000           4,779,108  
        

 

 

 
           45,554,393  
        

 

 

 

Nebraska 0.1%

        

Douglas County Hospital Authority No. 3 Revenue, Health Facilities Methodist Health System, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/01/45

     6,750,000           7,358,782  
        

 

 

 

Nevada 0.7%

        

Clark County ID Special Assessment,

        

Local ID No. 128, The Summerlin Centre, Series A, 5.00%, 2/01/26

     1,295,000           1,304,026  

Local ID No. 128, The Summerlin Centre, Series A, 5.05%, 2/01/31

     1,010,000           1,016,121  

Local ID No. 142, Mountain’s Edge, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/21

     1,245,000           1,328,116  

Local ID No. 159, Summerlin Village 16A, 5.00%, 8/01/35

     2,470,000           2,558,055  

Director of the State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry Environmental Improvement Revenue,

        

Green Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels LLC Project, 5.875%, 12/15/27

     7,885,000           8,468,253  

Green Fulcrum Sierra Biofuels LLC Project, 6.25%, 12/15/37

     9,000,000           9,796,050  

Henderson Local ID Special Assessment,

        

No. T-16, Limited Obligation Improvement, The Falls at Lake Las Vegas, 5.00%, 3/01/18

     740,000           740,000  

No. T-16, Limited Obligation Improvement, The Falls at Lake Las Vegas, 5.00%, 3/01/19

     740,000           735,575  

No. T-16, Limited Obligation Improvement, The Falls at Lake Las Vegas, 5.10%, 3/01/22

     1,120,000           1,092,963  

No. T-16, Limited Obligation Improvement, The Falls at Lake Las Vegas, 5.125%, 3/01/25

     1,175,000           1,125,180  

No. T-18, Limited Obligation Improvement, Inspirada, Discount Term, Refunding, 4.00%, 9/01/32

     1,750,000           1,732,903  

No. T-18, Limited Obligation Improvement, Inspirada, Discount Term, Refunding, 4.00%, 9/01/35

     2,500,000           2,429,425  

Las Vegas Special ID No. 812 Special Assessment,

        

Local Improvement, Summerlin Village 24, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     1,495,000           1,584,461  

Local Improvement, Summerlin Village 24, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     1,730,000           1,803,179  

Local Improvement, Summerlin Village 24, 5.00%, 12/01/35

     1,100,000           1,122,572  

Las Vegas Special ID No. 813 Special Assessment, Local Improvement, Summerlin Village 26, 4.00%, 6/01/33

     635,000           613,823  

Overton Power District No. 5 Special Obligation Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 8.00%, 12/01/38

     7,500,000           7,862,325  
        

 

 

 
           45,313,027  
        

 

 

 

New Hampshire 0.1%

        

New Hampshire State Business Finance Authority Revenue, Elliot Hospital Obligated Group, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.125%, 10/01/39.

     5,000,000           5,351,650  
        

 

 

 

New Jersey 3.6%

        

Hudson County Improvement Authority Solid Waste System Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.75%, 1/01/40

     5,000,000           5,352,050  

New Jersey EDA Revenue,

        

Montclair State University Student Housing Project, Provident Group, Montclair Properties LLC, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.875%, 6/01/42

     5,000,000           5,471,000  

Provident Group-Rowan Properties LLC, Rowan University Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/48

     5,000,000           5,280,700  

School Facilities Construction, Series AAA, 5.00%, 6/15/35

     3,450,000           3,690,086  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    91


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

New Jersey (continued)

        

New Jersey EDA Revenue, (continued)

        

School Facilities Construction, Series AAA, 5.00%, 6/15/41

   $ 4,550,000         $ 4,767,126  

New Jersey EDA Special Facility Revenue,

        

Continental Airlines Inc. Project, 4.875%, 9/15/19

     7,465,000           7,673,199  

Continental Airlines Inc. Project, 5.125%, 9/15/23

     19,800,000           21,868,308  

Continental Airlines Inc. Project, 5.25%, 9/15/29

     41,900,000           45,738,459  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

        

St. Joseph’s Healthcare System Obligated Group Issue, Pre-Refunded, 6.625%, 7/01/38

     27,015,000           27,482,630  

University Hospital Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     5,750,000           6,307,060  

New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue,

        

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.00%, 6/15/38

     4,810,000           5,020,341  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.25%, 6/15/41

     2,500,000           2,656,700  

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.00%, 6/15/44

     9,335,000           9,644,269  

Transportation System, Capital Appreciation, Series A, zero cpn., 12/15/38

     46,750,000           17,125,927  

Transportation System, Series A, 6.00%, 12/15/38

     35,705,000           36,763,653  

Transportation System, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 12/15/38

     19,295,000           19,995,408  

Transportation System, Series B, 5.25%, 6/15/36

     17,500,000           18,419,625  
        

 

 

 
           243,256,541  
        

 

 

 

New Mexico 2.2%

        

Farmington PCR,

        

Public Service Co. of New Mexico, San Juan Project, Refunding, Series B, 5.90%, 6/01/40

     58,000,000           62,359,860  

Public Service Co. of New Mexico, San Juan Project, Refunding, Series C, 5.90%, 6/01/40

     18,435,000           19,820,759  

Public Service Co. of New Mexico, San Juan Project, Refunding, Series D, 5.90%, 6/01/40

     53,520,000           57,543,098  

New Mexico State Hospital Equipment Loan Council First Mortgage Revenue, Haverland Carter Lifestyle Group, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     5,000,000           5,214,900  
           144,938,617  

New York 4.8%

        

Long Island Power Authority Electric System Revenue, General, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 5/01/33

     12,500,000           13,137,375  

MAC for City of Troy Revenue,

        

Capital Appreciation, Series C, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 7/15/21

     428,010           399,449  

Capital Appreciation, Series C, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 1/15/22

     649,658           596,691  

MTA Revenue,

        

Transportation, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 11/15/38

     8,790,000           9,846,646  

Transportation, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 11/15/41

     15,500,000           17,321,715  

Transportation, Series D, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 11/15/40

     10,000,000           10,972,600  

Transportation, Series E, 5.00%, 11/15/33

     10,000,000           11,258,400  

New York City GO,

        

Refunding, Series H, 6.125%, 8/01/25

     5,000           5,020  

Series F, 7.50%, 2/01/21

     5,000           5,026  

Series G, 7.50%, 2/01/22

     5,000           5,026  

New York City HDC, MFMR, 8 Spruce Street, Class F, 4.50%, 2/15/48

     7,500,000           7,743,375  

New York City IDA,

        

IDR, Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Partners, 5.65%, 10/01/28

     14,130,000           14,102,305  

IDR, Brooklyn Navy Yard Cogeneration Partners, 5.75%, 10/01/36

     18,205,000           18,080,842  

New York City IDA Civic Facility Revenue, Amboy Properties Corp. Project, Refunding, 6.75%, 6/01/20 .

     2,760,000           2,759,945  

New York Liberty Development Corp. 3 World Trade Center Project, Class 2, Refunding, 5.375%, 11/15/40

     10,000,000           10,942,200  

New York Liberty Development Corp. Liberty Revenue, Second Priority, Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park Project, Class 3, Refunding, 6.375%, 7/15/49

     18,500,000           19,786,675  

 

 

92    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

New York (continued)

        

New York Liberty Development Corp. Revenue, Goldman Sachs Headquarters Issue, Second Tranche, 5.25%, 10/01/35

   $   65,000,000         $       80,032,550  

New York State Dormitory Authority Revenues,

        

Non-State Supported Debt, Orange Regional Medical Center, Pre-Refunded, 6.125%, 12/01/29

     16,000,000           16,549,760  

Non-State Supported Debt, Orange Regional Medical Center, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 12/01/37

     30,000,000           31,058,700  

New York Transportation Development Corp. Special Facilities Revenue, Laguardia Airport Terminal B Redevelopment Project, Series A, 5.25%, 1/01/50

     41,785,000           45,777,975  

Rockland Tobacco Asset Securitization Corp. Settlement Revenue, Asset-Backed, First Subordinate, Series A, zero cpn., 8/15/45

     61,000,000           9,448,900  

TSASC Inc. Revenue, Tobacco Settlement, Refunding, Senior Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/41

     4,000,000           4,410,480  
           324,241,655  

North Carolina 0.7%

        

Columbus County Industrial Facilities and PCFA Revenue,

        

Environmental Improvement, International Paper Co. Projects, Series A, 6.25%, 11/01/33

     1,300,000           1,395,485  

Recovery Zone Facility, International Paper Co. Projects, Series B, 6.25%, 11/01/33

     4,000,000           4,293,800  

North Carolina State Department of Transportation Private Activity Revenue, I-77 Hot Lanes Project, 5.00%, 12/31/37

     3,100,000           3,364,740  

North Carolina State Medical Care Commission Health Care Facilities Revenue,

        

Duke University Health System, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     15,000,000           16,343,550  

Pennybyrn at Maryfield, first mortgage, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/30

     2,790,000           2,994,981  

Pennybyrn at Maryfield, first mortgage, Refunding, 5.00%, 10/01/35

     1,000,000           1,058,510  

Vidant Health, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/01/45

     5,000,000           5,503,050  

North Carolina State Medical Care Commission Retirement Facilities Revenue,

        

Galloway Ridge Project, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 1/01/41

     2,720,000           2,829,072  

United Church Homes and Services, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 9/01/37

     2,100,000           2,242,632  

United Church Homes and Services, first mortgage, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 9/01/41

     2,120,000           2,220,085  

United Church Homes and Services, first mortgage, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 9/01/46

     3,160,000           3,297,776  
           45,543,681  

North Dakota 0.1%

        

Burleigh County Education Facilities Revenue,

        

University of Mary Project, 5.10%, 4/15/36

     2,800,000           2,809,072  

University of Mary Project, 5.20%, 4/15/46

     5,430,000           5,388,243  
           8,197,315  

Ohio 2.1%

        

Bowling Green Student Housing Revenue, CFP I LLC, State University Project, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 6/01/45

     12,500,000           13,697,250  

Butler County Hospital Facilities Revenue,

        

UC Health, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 11/01/40

     6,680,000           7,341,921  

UC Health, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 11/01/40

     3,320,000           3,653,527  

Centerville Health Care Revenue,

        

Graceworks Lutheran Services, Improvement and Refunding, 5.25%, 11/01/47

     2,700,000           2,841,966  

Graceworks Lutheran Services, Improvement and Refunding, 5.25%, 11/01/50

     2,500,000           2,621,500  

Fairfield County Hospital Revenue, Fairfield Medical Center Project, Refunding and Improvement, 5.00%, 6/15/43

     10,000,000           10,303,400  

Hamilton County Healthcare Revenue,

        

Life Enriching Communities Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 1/01/41

     4,970,000           5,601,389  

Life Enriching Communities Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.625%, 1/01/46

     2,500,000           2,826,175  

Lake County Hospital Facilities Revenue, Lake Hospital System Inc., Refunding, 5.00%, 8/15/45

     6,000,000           6,472,260  

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    93


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Ohio (continued)

        

Little Miami Local School District GO,

        

School Improvement, Pre-Refunded, 6.875%, 12/01/34

   $ 5,100,000         $       5,810,175  

School Improvement, Refunding, 6.875%, 12/01/34

     470,000           525,150  

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue, Pratt Paper LLC Project, 4.25%, 1/15/38

     3,000,000           3,028,800  

Ohio State Air Quality Development Authority Revenue, Environmental Improvement, Buckeye Power Inc. Project, 6.00%, 12/01/40

     15,000,000           16,621,050  

Ohio State Hospital Revenue, University Hospitals Health System Inc., Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/15/46

     6,000,000           6,536,640  

Ohio State Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission Revenue, Infrastructure Projects, Capital Appreciation, junior lien, Series A-3, zero cpn. to 2/14/23, 5.75% thereafter, 2/15/35

     35,000,000           33,374,950  

Southeastern Port Authority Hospital Facilities Revenue,

        

Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/35

     1,000,000           1,043,510  

Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 12/01/43

     1,000,000           1,029,910  

Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project, Refunding, 5.50%, 12/01/43

     1,300,000           1,389,648  

Memorial Health System Obligated Group Project, Refunding and Improvement, 6.00%, 12/01/42 .

     14,000,000           15,135,680  
        

 

 

 
           139,854,901  
        

 

 

 

Oklahoma 0.3%

        

Oklahoma Development Finance Authority Revenue, Provident Education Resources Inc. Cross Village Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%, 8/01/47

     10,000,000           10,672,500  

Tulsa County Industrial Authority Senior Living Community Revenue,

        

Montereau Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.25%, 11/15/37

     1,250,000           1,419,288  

Montereau Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.25%, 11/15/45

     5,250,000           5,926,672  
        

 

 

 
           18,018,460  
        

 

 

 

Oregon 0.4%

        

Multnomah County Hospital Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Mirabella South Waterfront Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.40%, 10/01/44

     3,000,000           3,206,790  

Mirabella South Waterfront Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.50%, 10/01/49

     5,500,000           5,894,130  

Oregon Health and Science University Revenue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 7/01/39

     5,000,000           5,278,100  

Salem Hospital Facility Authority Revenue,

        

Capital Manor Inc., Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/22

     1,000,000           1,086,200  

Capital Manor Inc., Refunding, 5.75%, 5/15/27

     1,000,000           1,098,240  

Capital Manor Inc., Refunding, 5.625%, 5/15/32

     1,000,000           1,079,080  

Capital Manor Inc., Refunding, 6.00%, 5/15/42

     3,100,000           3,362,415  

Capital Manor Inc., Refunding, 6.00%, 5/15/47

     2,000,000           2,165,260  

Yamhill County Hospital Authority, Friendsview Retirement Community, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 11/15/51

     3,045,000           3,220,849  
        

 

 

 
           26,391,064  
        

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 2.3%

        

Allegheny County Higher Education Building Authority University Revenue,

        

Carlow University Project, Refunding, 6.75%, 11/01/31

     1,215,000           1,334,690  

Carlow University Project, Refunding, 7.00%, 11/01/40

     2,000,000           2,203,880  

Chester County IDA Revenue,

        

Renaissance Academy Charter School Project, 5.00%, 10/01/34

     1,500,000           1,594,005  

Renaissance Academy Charter School Project, 5.00%, 10/01/39

     1,725,000           1,816,735  

Renaissance Academy Charter School Project, 5.00%, 10/01/44

     1,160,000           1,212,838  

Commonwealth Financing Authority Revenue, Series B, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     12,000,000           12,939,960  

Delaware County IDAR, Resource Recovery Facility, Refunding, Series A, 6.20%, 7/01/19

     3,720,000           3,729,970  

 

 

94    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Pennsylvania (continued)

      

Lancaster County Hospital Authority Revenue,

      

Brethren Village Project, Refunding, 5.125%, 7/01/37

   $ 1,000,000       $1,090,900

Brethren Village Project, Refunding, 5.25%, 7/01/41

     1,000,000       1,096,490

Northampton County General Purpose Authority Hospital Revenue, St. Luke’s Hospital Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 8/15/40

     15,000,000       15,273,000

 f Pennsylvania State Economic Development Financing Authority Exempt Facilities Revenue, PPL Energy Supply LLC Project, Series B, Mandatory Put, 5.00%, 9/01/20

     25,000,000       25,169,000

Pennsylvania State Turnpike Commission Turnpike Revenue,

      

Motor License Fund Enhanced Turnpike, Capital Appreciation, Subordinate Special, Series B, Sub Series B-2, zero cpn. to 11/30/28, 5.75% thereafter, 12/01/37

     20,000,000       14,569,800

Motor License Fund Enhanced Turnpike, Capital Appreciation, Subordinate Special, Series B, Sub Series B-2, zero cpn. to 12/01/28, 5.875% thereafter, 12/01/40

     25,075,000       18,212,223

Subordinate, Convertible Capital Appreciation, Series C, AGMC Insured, 6.25%, 6/01/33

     5,000,000       6,154,550

Subordinate, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 6/01/39

     20,000,000       21,051,000

Philadelphia IDAR, Senior Living Facilities, Wesley Enhanced Living Obligated Group, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/49

     3,000,000       3,155,130

State Public School Building Authority Revenue, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, School Lease, The School District of Philadelphia Project, Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/01/32

     20,000,000       21,926,800
      

 

           152,530,971
      

 

Rhode Island 0.4%

      

Rhode Island State Health and Educational Building Corp. Revenue,

      

Hospital Financing, Care New England Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 9/01/33

     7,320,000       8,782,243

Hospital Financing, Lifespan Obligated Group Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 5/15/39

     8,200,000       8,738,412

Tobacco Settlement FICO Revenue, Asset-Backed, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/40

     10,000,000       10,707,600
      

 

       28,228,255
      

 

South Carolina 1.1%

      

South Carolina Jobs EDA Residential Care Facilities Revenue,

      

South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes, 5.00%, 4/01/47

     2,000,000       2,070,780

South Carolina Episcopal Home at Still Hopes, 5.00%, 4/01/52

     1,750,000       1,802,728

South Carolina Jobs EDA Student Housing Revenue, Coastal Housing Foundation LLC Project, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.50%, 4/01/42

     10,000,000       11,000,800

South Carolina State Public Service Authority Revenue, Series B, Refunding, 5.125%, 12/01/43

       52,890,000       57,326,413
      

 

       72,200,721
      

 

South Dakota 0.2%

      

Sioux Falls Health Facilities Revenue,

      

Dow Rummel Village Project, 5.00%, 11/01/42

     3,000,000       3,065,400

Dow Rummel Village Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/01/46

     11,110,000       11,257,430
      

 

       14,322,830
      

 

Tennessee 1.3%

      

Johnson City Health and Educational Facilities Board Hospital Revenue,

      

Mountain States Health Alliance, Capital Appreciation, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 7/01/27

     19,365,000       13,492,951

Mountain States Health Alliance, Capital Appreciation, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 7/01/28

     19,400,000       12,951,246

Mountain States Health Alliance, Capital Appreciation, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 7/01/29

     19,365,000       12,308,394

Mountain States Health Alliance, Capital Appreciation, first mortgage, Refunding, Series A, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 7/01/30

     19,370,000       11,743,256

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    95


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Tennessee (continued)

      

Knox County Health Educational and Housing Facility Board Hospital Revenue, Covenant Health, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/47

   $ 5,000,000       $      5,454,100

Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Airport Revenue,

      

Refunding, Series B, 5.75%, 7/01/23

     5,000,000       5,429,500

Refunding, Series B, 5.75%, 7/01/24

     3,500,000       3,802,330

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County Health and Educational Facilities Board Revenue, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/40

       20,000,000       22,089,800
      

 

       87,271,577
      

 

Texas 8.7%

      

Brazos County Health Facilities Development Corp. Franciscan Services Corp. Revenue, Obligated Group, St. Joseph Regional Health Center, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 1/01/38

     5,250,000       5,321,505

Capital Area Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue, The Roman Catholic Diocese of Austin, Series B, 6.125%, 4/01/45

     10,000,000       10,705,000

Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority Revenue,

      

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Refunding, zero cpn., 1/01/35

     3,000,000       1,483,050

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Refunding, zero cpn., 1/01/37

     2,500,000       1,124,125

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Refunding, zero cpn., 1/01/38

     2,405,000       1,032,442

Capital Appreciation, senior lien, Refunding, zero cpn., 1/01/39

     2,545,000       1,042,687

senior lien, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 1/01/25

     2,350,000       2,526,509

senior lien, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 1/01/31

     2,500,000       2,769,800

senior lien, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/41

     7,925,000       8,834,631

senior lien, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 1/01/46

     24,340,000       27,300,961

senior lien, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/45

     5,000,000       5,474,250

Clifton Higher Education Finance Corp. Revenue, Education, Uplift Education, Series A, 5.00%, 12/01/45

     3,855,000       4,140,501

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport Revenue,

      

Joint Improvement, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/42

     12,000,000       12,893,400

Joint Improvement, Series A, 5.00%, 11/01/45

     50,000,000       53,682,000

Joint Improvement, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/44

     11,385,000       12,519,629

El Paso Downtown Development Corp. Special Revenue, Downtown Ballpark Venue Project, Series A, 7.25%, 8/15/38

     15,000,000       18,627,900

Fort Worth Special Assessment Revenue,

      

Fort Worth Public ID No. 17, Rock Creek Ranch Major Improvement Project, 5.00%, 9/01/27

     1,965,000       2,014,282

Fort Worth Public ID No. 17, Rock Creek Ranch Major Improvement Project, 5.00%, 9/01/32

     1,270,000       1,260,945

Fort Worth Public ID No. 17, Rock Creek Ranch Major Improvement Project, 5.125%, 9/01/37

     1,650,000       1,613,205

Grand Parkway Transportation Corp. System Toll Revenue,

      

Capital Appreciation, Series B, zero cpn. to 9/30/23, 5.80% thereafter, 10/01/45

     10,000,000       9,201,200

First Tier Toll, Series A, 5.125%, 10/01/43

     2,850,000       3,146,657

Harris County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue,

      

Brazos Presbyterian Homes Inc. Project, first mortgage, Refunding, 5.00%, 1/01/48

     10,000,000       10,199,600

Brazos Presbyterian Homes Inc. Project, first mortgage, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 1/01/43

     3,000,000       3,660,990

Brazos Presbyterian Homes Inc. Project, first mortgage, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 1/01/48

     5,250,000       6,406,732

Harris County Health Facilities Development Corp. Hospital Revenue, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 7.25%, 12/01/35

     13,500,000       14,085,630

Houston Airport System Revenue, Special Facilities, United Airlines Terminal E Project, Refunding, 4.75%, 7/01/24

     10,000,000       10,969,200

Lufkin Health Facilities Development Corp. Revenue, Memorial Health System of East Texas, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 2/15/37

     5,000,000       5,225,750

Matagorda County Navigation District No. 1 PCR, Central Power and Light Co. Project, Refunding, Series A, 6.30%, 11/01/29

     10,000,000       10,757,700

 

 

96    

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Texas (continued)

      

Mesquite Health Facilities Development Corp. Retirement Facility Revenue,

      

Christian Care Centers Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 2/15/35

   $ 5,175,000       $      5,409,635

Christian Care Centers Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 2/15/36

     1,000,000       1,034,280

Christian Care Centers Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.125%, 2/15/42

     3,750,000       3,888,938

Mission Economic Development Corp. Revenue, Natgasoline Project, senior lien, Series B, 5.75%, 10/01/31

     7,000,000       7,292,390

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. First Mortgage Revenue, Morningside Ministries Project, 6.50%, 1/01/43

     4,350,000       4,849,380

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Retirement Facility Revenue,

      

Longhorn Village Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 1/01/42

     3,000,000       3,168,570

Longhorn Village Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 1/01/47

     5,000,000       5,262,150

MRC Crestview Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/36

     1,020,000       1,062,289

MRC Crestview Project, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/46

     4,100,000       4,231,077

Wesleyan Homes Inc. Project, Refunding, 5.50%, 1/01/43

     3,200,000       3,415,232

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Senior Living Revenue,

      

Cardinal Bay Inc., Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project, Fourth Tier, Series D, 6.00%, 7/01/26

     175,000       176,880

Cardinal Bay Inc., Village on the Park/Carriage Inn Project, Fourth Tier, Series D, 7.00%, 7/01/51

     5,110,000       5,294,829

New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Student Housing Revenue,

      

CHF - Collegiate Housing Stephenville III LLC, Tarleton State University Project, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/47

     6,420,000       6,909,846

CHF-Collegiate Housing Island Campus LLC, Series A, 5.00%, 4/01/42

     3,500,000       3,805,865

CHF-Stephenville LLC, Tarleton State University Project, Series A, 6.00%, 4/01/45

     3,000,000       3,284,820

NCCD-College Station Properties LLC, Texas A&M University Project, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/47

       30,000,000       24,752,100

North Texas Tollway Authority Revenue,

      

first tier, Series A, 6.25%, 1/01/39

     2,350,000       2,433,966

first tier, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 1/01/39

     10,150,000       10,547,068

Special Projects System, Capital Appreciation, first tier, Refunding, Series I, 6.50%, 1/01/43

     25,000,000       30,383,750

Special Projects System, Capital Appreciation, Series B, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 9/01/37

     7,500,000       3,208,050

Special Projects System, Capital Appreciation, Series C, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn. to 9/01/21, 6.75% thereafter, 9/01/45

     25,000,000       29,713,250

Special Projects System, Capital Appreciation, Series C, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn. to 9/01/23, 7.00% thereafter, 9/01/43

     10,000,000       10,863,800

System, first tier, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/38

     10,000,000       10,698,600

System, first tier, Series K, Subseries K-2, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/38

     15,000,000       15,568,650

Red River Education Financing Corp. Higher Education Revenue, Houston Baptist University Project, Refunding, 5.50%, 10/01/46

     4,250,000       4,663,695

Red River Health Facilities Development Corp. First Mortgage Revenue,

      

 g Eden Home Project, 7.25%, 12/15/42

     11,000,000       7,370,000

Wichita Falls Retirement Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.50%, 1/01/32

     1,500,000       1,578,000

Wichita Falls Retirement Foundation Project, Refunding, 5.125%, 1/01/41

     2,000,000       2,058,300

Tarrant County Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp. Revenue,

      

Texas Health Resources System, Refunding, 5.00%, 11/15/40

     15,225,000       16,164,382

Trinity Terrace Project, The Cumberland Rest Inc., Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 10/01/44

     2,500,000       2,643,300

Trinity Terrace Project, The Cumberland Rest Inc., Refunding, Series A-1, 5.00%, 10/01/49

     2,625,000       2,752,260

Texas State Municipal Gas Acquisition and Supply Corp. III Gas Supply Revenue,

      

5.00%, 12/15/30

     25,000,000       27,317,500

5.00%, 12/15/31

     24,500,000       26,725,580

5.00%, 12/15/32

     10,000,000       10,894,400

Texas State Transportation Commission Turnpike System Revenue,

      

first tier, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 8/15/41

     5,000,000       5,466,200

second tier, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/15/42

     15,965,000       17,569,482

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    97


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Texas (continued)

      

Wood County Central Hospital District Hospital Revenue, East Texas Medical Center Quitman Project, 6.00%, 11/01/41

   $ 9,350,000       $      10,050,782
      

 

       580,529,577
      

 

Virginia 1.2%

      

Henrico County EDA Residential Care Facilities Revenue,

      

LifeSpire of Virginia, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/37

     765,000       819,820

LifeSpire of Virginia, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 12/01/47

     2,200,000       2,339,458

Norfolk EDA Health Care Facilities Revenue, Sentara Healthcare, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 11/01/43

     17,575,000       19,226,347

Tobacco Settlement FICO Revenue, Capital Appreciation, Second Subordinate, Refunding, Series D, zero cpn., 6/01/47

     50,000,000       3,541,500

Virginia Small Business Financing Authority Revenue,

      

Elizabeth River Crossings OPCO LLC Project, senior lien, 6.00%, 1/01/37

     6,485,000       7,297,311

Elizabeth River Crossings OPCO LLC Project, senior lien, 5.50%, 1/01/42

     35,790,000       39,457,759

Virginia State Small Business Financing Authority Residential Care Facility Revenue, Pinnacle Living, Series C, 5.00%, 6/01/52

     6,000,000       6,267,480
      

 

       78,949,675
      

 

Washington 2.1%

      

FYI Properties Lease Revenue,

      

Washington State District Project, 5.50%, 6/01/34

     11,935,000       12,508,715

Washington State District Project, 5.50%, 6/01/39

     16,250,000       17,020,738

Greater Wenatchee Regional Events Center Public Facilities District Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.50%, 9/01/42

     3,150,000       3,220,371

Ocean Shores Local ID No. 1 Tax Allocation, 7.25%, 2/01/31

     5,475,000       6,699,539

Skagit County Public Hospital District No. 1 Revenue, Skagit Valley Hospital, 5.75%, 12/01/35

     5,355,000       5,677,746

Washington Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue,

      

Central Washington Health Services Assn., Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 7/01/39

     8,500,000       9,082,930

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 1/01/33

     7,500,000       7,931,475

Providence Health and Services, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 10/01/42

     19,725,000       21,503,603

Washington State Economic Development Finance Authority Environmental Facilities Revenue,

      

Coalview Centralia LLC Project, 8.25%, 8/01/25

     3,800,000       3,266,860

Coalview Centralia LLC Project, 9.50%, 8/01/25

     12,855,000       11,663,470

Columbia Pulp I LLC Project, Series A, 7.50%, 1/01/32

     5,000,000       5,905,500

 f Washington State Economic Development Finance Authority Revenue, Propeller Airports Paine Field LLC Project, Mandatory Put, Series A, 6.50%, 3/01/24

       25,000,000       25,117,500

Washington State Higher Education Facilities Authority Revenue, Whitworth University Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.625%, 10/01/40

     5,235,000       5,558,261

Washington State Housing Finance Commission Revenue, Nonprofit Housing, Presbyterian Retirement Communities Northwest Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/31

     2,000,000       2,161,420
      

 

       137,318,128
      

 

West Virginia 0.8%

      

County Commission of Harrison County Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Allegheny Energy Supply Co. LLC Harrison Station Project, Refunding, Series D, 5.50%, 10/15/37

     14,745,000       14,701,945

Kanawha County Commission Student Housing Revenue, The West Virginia State University Foundation Project, 6.75%, 7/01/45

     6,650,000       7,019,474

Pleasants County PCR, County Commission, Series F, 5.25%, 10/15/37

     27,250,000       27,005,022

West Virginia Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, Hospital, Improvement, West Virginia University Health System Obligated Group, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/47

     5,000,000       5,435,550
      

 

       54,161,991
      

 

 

 

98    

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Wisconsin 1.2%

      

PFA Education Revenue,

      

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/45

   $ 2,805,000       $      2,961,070

Coral Academy of Science Las Vegas, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/53

     4,345,000       4,545,870

PFA Limited Obligation Grant Revenue, American Dream at Meadowlands Project, Series A, 6.75%, 8/01/31

     10,000,000       10,798,900

PFA Limited Obligation PILOT Revenue, American Dream at Meadowlands Project, 6.75%, 12/01/42

     10,000,000       11,545,100

PFA Retirement Facilities Revenue,

      

Whitestone Retirement Facilities, first mortgage, Refunding, 5.00%, 3/01/37

     625,000       687,444

Whitestone Retirement Facilities, first mortgage, Refunding, 5.00%, 3/01/52

     1,800,000       1,954,854

Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

      

Beaver Dam Community Hospitals Inc., Refunding, Series A, 5.25%, 8/15/34

     5,000,000       5,288,300

St. Johns Communities Inc., Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 9/15/45

     1,500,000       1,594,890

Thedacare Inc., Series A, 5.50%, 12/15/38

     5,000,000       5,230,500

Wisconsin PFA Exempt Facilities Revenue, Celanese Project, Refunding, Series C, 4.30%, 11/01/30

     11,000,000       11,265,980

Wisconsin State General Fund Annual Appropriation Revenue,

      

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 5/01/33

     13,590,000       14,297,496

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 5/01/33

     1,410,000       1,484,251

Wisconsin State Public Finance Authority Revenue, Adams-Columbia Electric Cooperative, Series A, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 12/01/40

     6,755,000       7,376,122
      

 

       79,030,777
      

 

Wyoming 0.2%

      

Campbell County Solid Waste Facilities Revenue, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Dry Fork Station Facilities, Series A, 5.75%, 7/15/39

     5,500,000       5,778,630

West Park Hospital District Revenue, West Park Hospital Project, Series A, 7.00%, 6/01/40

     5,500,000       6,002,590

Wyoming CDA Student Housing Revenue,

      

CHF-Wyoming LLC, University of Wyoming Project, 6.25%, 7/01/31

     600,000       642,630

CHF-Wyoming LLC, University of Wyoming Project, 6.50%, 7/01/43

     1,600,000       1,708,032
      

 

       14,131,882
      

 

U.S. Territories 3.3%

      

Guam 1.3%

      

Government of Guam GO,

      

Series A, 6.00%, 11/15/19

     3,480,000       3,624,211

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.75%, 11/15/29

       10,000,000       10,847,200

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 7.00%, 11/15/39

     15,000,000       16,333,500

Guam Government Department of Education COP,

      

John F. Kennedy High School Project, Series A, 6.625%, 12/01/30

     5,065,000       5,240,097

John F. Kennedy High School Project, Series A, 6.875%, 12/01/40

     4,000,000       4,146,960

Guam Government Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 6.50%, 11/01/40

     10,380,000       11,527,924

Guam Government Limited Obligation Revenue,

      

Section 30, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.625%, 12/01/29

     3,850,000       4,123,466

Section 30, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.75%, 12/01/34

     8,430,000       9,046,908

Guam Government Waterworks Authority Water and Wastewater System Revenue, Pre-Refunded, 5.625%, 7/01/40

     4,000,000       4,364,840

Guam International Airport Authority Revenue,

      

General, Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.50%, 10/01/33

     2,000,000       2,229,000

General, Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.75%, 10/01/43

     3,000,000       3,384,810

Guam Power Authority Revenue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 10/01/40

     10,000,000       10,957,900
      

 

       85,826,816
      

 

 

 

franklintempleton.com

     

 

Annual Report      

 

 

    99


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

U.S. Territories (continued)

      

Northern Mariana Islands 0.2%

      

Northern Mariana Islands Commonwealth Ports Authority Seaport Revenue, Senior Series A, 6.60%, 3/15/28

   $ 12,680,000       $      12,616,600
      

 

Puerto Rico 1.7%

      

Children’s Trust Fund Tobacco Settlement Revenue,

      

Asset-Backed, Refunding, 5.50%, 5/15/39

     9,500,000       8,966,005

Asset-Backed, Refunding, 5.625%, 5/15/43

     2,500,000       2,338,750

g Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Power Revenue,

      

Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     26,990,000       10,154,988

Series A, 7.25%, 7/01/30

     25,000,000       9,406,250

Series A, 6.75%, 7/01/36

     29,750,000       11,193,437

Series A, 7.00%, 7/01/43

     5,000,000       1,881,250

Series A-4, zero cpn., 7/01/19

     5,500,000       2,069,375

Series B, zero cpn., 7/01/19

     5,500,000       2,069,375

Series E-1, zero cpn., 1/01/21

     6,000,000       2,257,500

Series E-2, zero cpn., 7/01/21

     6,000,000       2,257,500

Series E-3, zero cpn., 1/01/22

     1,989,500       748,549

Series E-4, zero cpn., 7/01/22

     1,989,499       748,549

Series WW, 5.50%, 7/01/38

     16,355,000       6,153,569

Series XX, 5.75%, 7/01/36

     23,620,000       8,887,025

Series XX, 5.25%, 7/01/40

       71,780,000       27,007,225

Puerto Rico HFAR, Capital Fund Modernization Program, Puerto Rico Public Housing Projects, Refunding, 5.125%, 12/01/27

     3,000,000       3,061,650

Puerto Rico Industrial Tourist Educational Medical and Environmental Control Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, Cogeneration Facility, AES Puerto Rico Project, 6.625%, 6/01/26

     17,835,000       14,869,931

g Puerto Rico Sales Tax FICO Sales Tax Revenue,

      

Capital Appreciation, First Subordinate, Series A, zero cpn., 8/01/34

     29,465,000       1,517,153

Capital Appreciation, First Subordinate, Series A, zero cpn., 8/01/36

     17,800,000       847,280
      

 

       116,435,361
      

 

U.S. Virgin Islands 0.1%

      

Virgin Islands PFAR,

      

Virgin Islands Matching Fund Loan Note, Cruzan Project, Series A, 6.00%, 10/01/39

     5,000,000       2,912,500

Virgin Islands Matching Fund Loan Note, Diageo Project, Series A, 6.625%, 10/01/29

     7,500,000       4,631,250
      

 

       7,543,750
      

 

Total U.S. Territories

       222,422,527
      

 

Total Municipal Bonds (Cost $6,037,108,125)

       6,600,951,698
      

 

Total Investments before Short Term Investments (Cost $6,042,361,804)

       6,606,206,190
      

 

Short Term Investments 0.4%

      

Municipal Bonds 0.4%

      

Florida 0.1%

      

 i St. Lucie County PCR, Florida Power and Light Co. Project, Refunding, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.17%, 9/01/28

     5,800,000       5,800,000
      

 

Georgia 0.0%

      

 i Athens-Clarke County Unified Government Development Authority Revenue, University of Georgia Athletic Assn. Project, Series B, LOC Wells Fargo Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.10%, 7/01/35

     1,750,000       1,750,000

 g Baldwin County Hospital Authority Revenue, Oconee Regional Medical Center, 6.50%, 4/30/17

     3,625,000       2,610,000
      

 

       4,360,000
      

 

 

 

100    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value

Short Term Investments (continued)

      

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Kentucky 0.2%

      

 i Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government Health System Revenue, Norton Healthcare Inc., Series B, LOC PNC Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 10/01/39

   $   11,300,000       $      11,300,000
      

 

Tennessee 0.1%

      

 i Shelby County Health Educational and Housing Facility Board Revenue, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Refunding, Series A, AGMC Insured, SPA US Bank National Association, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.11%, 6/01/42

     6,000,000       6,000,000
      

 

Virginia 0.0%

      

 i Virginia College Building Authority Educational Facilities Revenue, University of Richmond Project, SPA Wells Fargo Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.09%, 11/01/36

     1,450,000       1,450,000
      

 

Total Short Term Investments (Cost $29,925,000)

       28,910,000
      

 

Total Investments (Cost $6,072,286,804) 99.0%

       6,635,116,190

Other Assets, less Liabilities 1.0%

       66,541,664
      

 

Net Assets 100.0%

       $  6,701,657,854
      

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 140.

Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aNon-income producing.

bFair valued using significant unobservable inputs. See Note 11 regarding fair value measurements.

cSee Note 9 regarding restricted securities.

dIncome may be received in additional securities and/or cash.

eThe bond pays interest and/or principal based upon the issuer’s ability to pay, which may be less than the stated interest rate or principal paydown.

fThe maturity date shown represents the mandatory put date.

gSee Note 7 regarding defaulted securities.

hSecurity purchased on a when-issued basis. See Note 1(b).

iVariable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

 

 

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    101


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

 

    

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
     

 

2018

 

   

2017

 

   

2016a

 

   

2015

 

   

2014

 

 

Class A

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.63       $11.94       $11.93       $11.42       $12.16  
        

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec

     0.35       0.39       0.40       0.42       0.42  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.15     (0.31     0.01       0.51       (0.76
        

Total from investment operations

     0.20       0.08       0.41       0.93       (0.34
        

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.36     (0.39     (0.40     (0.42     (0.40
        

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.47       $11.63       $11.94       $11.93       $11.42  
        

Total returnd

     1.66%       0.62%       3.50%       8.28%       (2.75)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     0.68%       0.67%       0.66%       0.67%       0.66%  

Net investment income

     3.02%       3.23%       3.38%       3.56%       3.64%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $363,555       $375,435       $400,201       $439,041       $419,556  

Portfolio turnover rate

     23.50%       7.16%       4.90%       6.51%       7.12%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

   

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
    

 

            2018

 

   

            2017

 

   

             2016a

 

   

            2015

 

   

            2014

 

 

Class C

         

Per share operating performance

         

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

         

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $11.77       $12.07       $12.06       $11.53       $12.29  

Income from investment operationsb:

         

Net investment incomec

    0.29       0.32       0.34       0.36       0.36  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.16     (0.30           0.53       (0.78

Total from investment operations

    0.13       0.02       0.34       0.89       (0.42

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.29     (0.32     (0.33     (0.36     (0.34

Net asset value, end of year

    $11.61       $11.77       $12.07       $12.06       $11.53  

Total returnd

    1.08%       0.13%       2.89%       7.79%       (3.41)%  

Ratios to average net assets

         

Expenses

    1.23%       1.22%       1.21%       1.22%       1.21%  

Net investment income

    2.47%       2.68%       2.83%       3.01%       3.09%  

Supplemental data

         

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $56,607       $60,441       $61,834       $62,878       $61,760  

Portfolio turnover rate

    23.50%       7.16%       4.90%       6.51%       7.12%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    103


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

   

Year Ended

 

February 28,

 
    

 

2018a

 

 

Class R6

 

Per share operating performance

 

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

 

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $11.76  

Income from investment operationsb:

 

  Net investment incomec

    0.21  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.28

Total from investment operations

    (0.07

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.21

Net asset value, end of year

    $11.48  

Total returnd

    (0.65)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

 

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.60%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

    0.55%  

Net investment income

    3.15%  

Supplemental data

 

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $1,688  

Portfolio turnover rate

    23.50%  

a For the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

e Ratios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

   

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
    

 

            2018

 

   

            2017

 

   

             2016a

 

   

            2015

 

   

            2014

 

 

Advisor Class

         

Per share operating performance

         

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

         

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $11.63       $11.94       $11.93       $11.41       $12.16  

Income from investment operationsb:

         

Net investment incomec

    0.36       0.40       0.41       0.43       0.43  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.14     (0.31     0.01       0.53       (0.77

Total from investment operations

    0.22       0.09       0.42       0.96       (0.34

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.37     (0.40     (0.41     (0.44     (0.41

Net asset value, end of year

    $11.48       $11.63       $11.94       $11.93       $11.41  

Total return

    1.84%       0.72%       3.60%       8.48%       (2.74)%  

Ratios to average net assets

         

Expenses

    0.58%       0.57%       0.56%       0.57%       0.56%  

Net investment income

    3.12%       3.33%       3.48%       3.66%       3.74%  

Supplemental data

         

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $63,366       $34,909       $12,614       $10,274       $4,574  

Portfolio turnover rate

    23.50%       7.16%       4.90%       6.51%       7.12%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

 

 

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    105


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds 98.9%

        

Massachusetts 98.9%

        

 

Boston GO, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 4/01/26

     $  6,160,000           $    7,245,330  

Boston Water and Sewer Commission Revenue, General, Refunding, Senior Series A, 4.00%, 11/01/28

     4,400,000           4,738,228  

Braintree GO, Refunding, 5.00%, 5/15/27

     2,000,000           2,372,540  

City of Quincy GO, Muni Purpose Loan, Refunding, 4.00%, 6/01/32

     2,565,000           2,690,634  

Dudley-Charlton Regional School District GO, Series B, NATL Insured, 5.25%, 5/01/19

     3,140,000           3,274,549  

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Sales Tax Revenue,

        

Refunding, Senior Series A, 5.25%, 7/01/30

     4,000,000           4,963,800  

Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/33

     2,500,000           2,869,250  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     5,000,000           5,664,000  

Subordinate, Series A, Subseries A-2, 5.00%, 7/01/45

     2,000,000           2,279,680  

Subordinate, Series A, Subseries A-2, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     5,000,000           5,694,850  

Massachusetts Commonwealth GO, Refunding, Series A, AMBAC Insured, 5.50%, 8/01/30

     5,000,000           6,200,300  

Massachusetts Development Finance Agency Revenue,

        

Boston College Issue, Refunding, Series T, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     3,750,000           4,297,125  

Boston University Issue, Series BB1, 4.00%, 10/01/46

     5,000,000           5,116,700  

Brandeis University Issue, Series N, 5.00%, 10/01/39

     5,000,000           5,096,900  

The Broad Institute Issue, Refunding, 4.00%, 4/01/41

     5,000,000           5,132,150  

The Broad Institute Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.375%, 4/01/41

       15,000,000               16,623,600  

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Issue, Series N, 5.00%, 12/01/46

     6,890,000           7,723,277  

Harvard University Issue, Refunding, Series A, 4.00%, 7/15/29

     7,500,000           8,279,100  

Harvard University Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/15/33

     5,000,000           5,872,550  

Lahey Clinic Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series F, 5.00%, 8/15/32

     2,975,000           3,363,327  

Northeastern University Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 3/01/44

     8,520,000           9,345,929  

Partners Healthcare System Issue, Refunding, Series O-2, 5.00%, 7/01/30

     5,000,000           5,724,250  

Partners Healthcare System Issue, Refunding, Series Q, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     5,000,000           5,688,650  

Partners Healthcare System Issue, Refunding, Series S, 4.00%, 7/01/41

     7,500,000           7,646,475  

Partners Healthcare System Issue, Series L, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     5,000,000           5,530,250  

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Issue, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     12,900,000           14,268,045  

Williams College Issue, Refunding, Series Q, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     5,000,000           5,676,850  

Williams College Issue, Refunding, Series S, 4.00%, 7/01/46

     9,550,000           9,926,938  

Worcester Polytech Institute Issue, Refunding, 5.00%, 9/01/42

     1,090,000           1,233,379  

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Issue, 4.00%, 9/01/49

     4,825,000           4,878,461  

Massachusetts State College Building Authority Project Revenue,

        

Refunding, Series B, XLCA Insured, 5.50%, 5/01/39

     5,000,000           6,503,500  

Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/33

     10,000,000           10,062,000  

Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/40

     4,625,000           4,964,197  

Massachusetts State College Building Authority Revenue, Federally Taxable, Refunding, Series D, 4.00%, 5/01/38

     4,350,000           4,538,311  

Massachusetts State Department of Transportation Metropolitan Highway System Revenue, Commonwealth Contract Assistance Secured, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     16,165,000           17,037,910  

Massachusetts State Educational Financing Authority Education Loan Revenue,

        

Issue I, 6.00%, 1/01/28

     4,540,000           4,738,807  

Issue I, Refunding, Series A, 5.50%, 1/01/22

     3,000,000           3,163,830  

Massachusetts State GO,

        

Consolidated Loan of 2014, Series F, 4.00%, 11/01/29

     6,000,000           6,393,720  

Consolidated Loan of 2017, Series A, 5.25%, 4/01/42

     5,000,000           5,823,500  

Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/47

     5,000,000           5,690,400  

Massachusetts State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

        

Boston College Issue, Series M-2, 5.50%, 6/01/35

     8,600,000           11,007,484  

Cable Housing and Health Services Issue, Series A, NATL Insured, 5.25%, 7/01/23

     675,000           675,587  

Cape Cod Healthcare Obligated Group Issue, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 11/15/28

     3,000,000           3,222,870  

 

 

106    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
             Value  

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

        

Massachusetts (continued)

        

 

Massachusetts State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, (continued)

        

Cape Cod Healthcare Obligated Group Issue, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.125%, 11/15/35

     $  3,150,000           $    3,337,897  

Children’s Hospital Issue, Series M, 5.25%, 12/01/39

     7,000,000           7,442,050  

Lesley University Issue, Series A, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/39

     9,350,000           9,808,711  

Partners Healthcare System Issue, Series J-1, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     4,345,000           4,546,869  

Southcoast Health System Obligated Group Issue, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     5,500,000           5,683,810  

Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute Issue, Series B, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/40

     5,000,000           5,393,250  

Massachusetts State HFA, MFHR, Section 8 Assisted, Series A, ETM, 7.00%, 4/01/21

     430,000           476,522  

Massachusetts State HFAR,

        

Housing, Refunding, Series A, 3.25%, 12/01/27

     4,000,000           4,038,520  

Housing, Refunding, Series A, 3.50%, 12/01/31

     5,805,000           5,857,942  

Housing, Series C, 5.125%, 12/01/39

     1,700,000           1,730,209  

Housing, Series C, 5.35%, 12/01/49

     4,500,000           4,579,515  

Housing, Series D, 5.05%, 6/01/40

     3,360,000           3,419,136  

Housing, Series F, 3.15%, 12/01/32

     1,305,000           1,268,838  

Housing, Series F, 3.45%, 12/01/37

     570,000           555,602  

SF Housing, Series 159, 4.05%, 12/01/32

     1,810,000           1,850,327  

SF Housing, Series 162, 3.15%, 12/01/32

     10,905,000           10,590,500  

Massachusetts State Port Authority Revenue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     2,260,000           2,601,689  

Massachusetts State School Building Authority Dedicated Sales Tax Revenue,

        

Senior, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/15/31

     6,000,000           6,930,300  

Senior, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 11/15/34

     5,000,000           5,777,300  

Senior, Series B, 5.00%, 10/15/41

     10,000,000           10,928,600  

Massachusetts State Special Obligation Dedicated Tax Revenue,

        

Refunding, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 1/01/25

     10,900,000           13,001,629  

Refunding, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 1/01/34

     16,900,000           21,559,161  

Massachusetts State Transportation Fund Revenue,

        

Accelerated Bridge Program, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 4.00%, 6/01/31

     5,555,000           5,956,849  

Rail Enhancement and Accelerated Bridge Programs, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/41

     2,200,000           2,510,640  

Rail Enhancement and Accelerated Bridge Programs, Series A, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     5,000,000           5,736,800  

Rail Enhancement and Accelerated Bridge Programs, Series B, 4.00%, 6/01/45

     7,175,000           7,408,977  

Massachusetts State Water Pollution Abatement Trust Revenue,

        

Pooled Loan Program, Series 6, 5.50%, 8/01/30

     195,000           195,663  

Pooled Loan Program, Series 7, 5.125%, 2/01/31

     260,000           260,806  

State Revolving Fund, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/01/23

     3,000,000           3,457,920  

Water Pollution Abatement, MWRA Program, Subordinate, Refunding, Series A, 5.75%, 8/01/29

     250,000           250,898  

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Revenue,

        

General, Green Bonds, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 8/01/40

     6,875,000           7,885,075  

General, Green Bonds, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/40

     1,140,000           1,318,672  

General, Green Bonds, Series B, 5.00%, 8/01/42

     3,145,000           3,629,582  

General, Refunding, Series B, AGMC Insured, 5.25%, 8/01/28

     5,490,000           6,821,050  

Metropolitan Boston Transit Parking Corp. Systemwide Parking Revenue,

        

senior lien, 5.00%, 7/01/41

     7,500,000           8,112,825  

senior lien, Refunding, 5.25%, 7/01/36

     5,585,000           6,132,777  

Plymouth GO, Municipal Purpose Loan, Refunding, 4.00%, 5/01/47

     5,000,000           5,119,400  

Springfield Water and Sewer Commission Revenue, General, Series C, 5.00%, 4/15/37

     1,260,000           1,466,262  

Tewksbury GO,

        

Fire Station, 3.00%, 6/01/34

     750,000           711,165  

Fire Station, 3.00%, 6/01/35

     750,000           705,060  

Fire Station, 3.00%, 6/01/36

     750,000           691,732  

 

 

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    107


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund  (continued)

 

      Principal
Amount
           Value  

Municipal Bonds (continued)

      

Massachusetts (continued)

      

 

University of Massachusetts Building Authority Project Revenue,

      

Refunding, Senior Series 1, 5.00%, 11/01/44

   $   4,000,000         $    4,487,480  

Senior Series 1, 5.25%, 11/01/42.

     5,000,000         5,914,500  

 

Worcester GO,

      

Municipal Purpose Loan, 3.25%, 11/01/25

     3,370,000         3,443,634  

Municipal Purpose Loan, 3.50%, 11/01/26

     3,000,000         3,071,520  
      

 

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds before Short Term Investments (Cost $465,404,327)

         479,906,897  
      

 

 

 

 

Short Term Investments (Cost $600,000) 0.1%

      

Municipal Bonds 0.1%

      

Massachusetts 0.1%

      

a Massachusetts State Health and Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Harvard University Issue,
Refunding, Series R, Daily VRDN and Put, 0.82%, 11/01/49

     600,000         600,000  
      

 

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $466,004,327) 99.0%

         480,506,897  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 1.0%

         4,708,250  
      

 

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%.

         $485,215,147  
      

 

 

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 140.

a Variable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

 

 

108    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Financial Highlights

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

   

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
    

 

            2018

 

   

            2017

 

   

             2016a

 

   

            2015

 

   

            2014

 

 

Class A

         

Per share operating performance

         

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

         

Net asset value, beginning of year

    $11.45       $11.73       $11.95       $11.76       $12.62  

Income from investment operationsb:

         

  Net investment incomec

    0.39       0.44       0.46       0.47       0.46  

  Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

    (0.31     (0.27     (0.23     0.20       (0.87

Total from investment operations

    0.08       0.17       0.23       0.67       (0.41

Less distributions from net investment income

    (0.42     (0.45     (0.45     (0.48     (0.45

Net asset value, end of year.

    $11.11       $11.45       $11.73       $11.95       $11.76  

Total returnd

    0.68%       1.44%       1.99%       5.75%       (3.22)%  

Ratios to average net assets

         

Expenses

    0.67%       0.65%       0.64%       0.64%       0.63%  

Net investment income

    3.46%       3.79%       3.96%       3.98%       3.88%  

Supplemental data

         

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

    $650,527       $742,824       $793,062       $893,018       $974,154  

Portfolio turnover rate

    12.70%       9.20%       5.24%       4.81%       9.73%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    109


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

    

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
     

 

2018

 

   

2017

 

   

2016a

 

   

2015

 

   

2014

 

 

Class C

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.60       $11.87       $12.09       $11.89       $12.76  
        

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec

     0.33       0.38       0.40       0.41       0.40  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.32     (0.27     (0.24     0.20       (0.89
        

Total from investment operations

     0.01       0.11       0.16       0.61       (0.49
        

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.35     (0.38     (0.38     (0.41     (0.38
        

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.26       $11.60       $11.87       $12.09       $11.89  
        

Total returnd

     0.11%       0.95%       1.42%       5.20%       (3.80)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     1.22%       1.20%       1.19%       1.19%       1.18%  

Net investment income

     2.91%       3.24%       3.41%       3.43%       3.33%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $188,806       $217,952       $216,813       $231,740       $247,538  

Portfolio turnover rate

     12.70%       9.20%       5.24%       4.81%       9.73%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return does not reflect sales commissions or contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

110    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     

Year Ended

 

February 28,

 

2018a

 

 

Class R6

  

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

  

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.37  
  

 

 

 

Income from investment operationsb:

  

Net investment incomec

     0.25  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.26
  

 

 

 

Total from investment operations

     (0.01
  

 

 

 

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.24
  

 

 

 

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.12  
  

 

 

 

Total returnd

     (0.11)%  

Ratios to average net assetse

  

Expenses before waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.54%  

Expenses net of waiver and payments by affiliates

     0.53%  

Net investment income

     3.60%  

Supplemental data

  

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $19,936  

Portfolio turnover rate

     12.70%  

a For the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

d Total return is not annualized for periods less than one year.

e Ratios are annualized for periods less than one year.

 

 

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    111


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

    

 

Year Ended February 28,

 

 
     

 

2018

 

   

2017

 

   

2016a

 

   

2015

 

   

2014

 

 

Advisor Class

          

Per share operating performance

(for a share outstanding throughout the year)

          

Net asset value, beginning of year

     $11.46       $11.74       $11.96       $11.77       $12.63  
        

Income from investment operationsb:

          

Net investment incomec

     0.40       0.46       0.47       0.49       0.47  

Net realized and unrealized gains (losses)

     (0.31     (0.28     (0.23     0.19       (0.87
        

Total from investment operations

     0.09       0.18       0.24       0.68       (0.40
        

Less distributions from net investment income

     (0.43     (0.46     (0.46     (0.49     (0.46
        

Net asset value, end of year

     $11.12       $11.46       $11.74       $11.96       $11.77  
        

Total return

     0.77%       1.54%       2.10%       5.86%       (3.12)%  

Ratios to average net assets

          

Expenses

     0.57%       0.55%       0.54%       0.54%       0.53%  

Net investment income

     3.56%       3.89%       4.06%       4.08%       3.98%  

Supplemental data

          

Net assets, end of year (000’s)

     $79,286       $107,087       $91,175       $92,059       $63,162  

Portfolio turnover rate

     12.70%       9.20%       5.24%       4.81%       9.73%  

a For the year ended February 29.

b The amount shown for a share outstanding throughout the period may not correlate with the Statement of Operations for the period due to the timing of sales and repurchases of the Fund’s shares in relation to income earned and/or fluctuating fair value of the investments of the Fund.

c Based on average daily shares outstanding.

 

 

112    

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

    

 

Statement of Investments, February 28, 2018

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds 98.8%

     

Delaware 0.7%

     

 

Delaware River and Bay Authority Revenue, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/42

   $ 6,000,000      $     6,555,420  
     

 

 

 

 

New Jersey 84.5%

     

Cape May County Industrial PCFA Revenue, Atlantic City Electric Co. Project, Refunding, Series A, NATL
Insured, 6.80%, 3/01/21

     5,400,000        6,039,954  

Cumberland County Improvement Authority Revenue, Technical High School Project, AGMC Insured,
5.00%, 9/01/39

     2,000,000        2,232,040  

Gloucester County Improvement Authority Revenue, Rowan University Business and Engineering School
Projects, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     3,500,000        3,836,700  

Hudson County Improvement Authority Lease Revenue, County Secured, Hudson County Vocational-
Technical Schools Project, 5.00%, 5/01/46

     6,000,000        6,733,620  

Hudson County Improvement Authority Parking Revenue, County-Guaranteed, Harrison Parking Facility Redevelopment Project, Series C, Assured Guaranty, 5.125%, 1/01/34

     2,000,000        2,055,880  

Middlesex County COP, Capital Appreciation, NATL Insured, zero cpn., 6/15/24

     1,000,000        834,960  

Middlesex County Improvement Authority Lease Revenue, County Guaranteed, Regional Educational
Services Commission Projects, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 12/15/33

     3,000,000        3,092,550  

New Brunswick Parking Authority Revenue, City Guaranteed, Refunding, Series A, BAM Insured, 5.00%,
9/01/39

     5,000,000        5,613,550  

New Jersey EDA,

     

GO Lease Revenue, Rutgers University, College Avenue Redevelopment Project, 5.00%, 6/15/38

     5,000,000        5,557,550  

GO Lease Revenue, Rutgers University, College Avenue Redevelopment Project, 5.00%, 6/15/46

     7,500,000        8,305,200  

New Jersey EDA Revenue,

     

Cigarette Tax, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/15/28

     3,000,000        3,223,260  

Cigarette Tax, Refunding, 5.00%, 6/15/29

     1,000,000        1,071,930  

Cigarette Tax, Refunding, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%, 6/15/22

     10,000,000        10,882,300  

Montclair State University Student Housing Project, Provident Group, Montclair Properties LLC, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.875%, 6/01/42

     17,950,000        19,640,890  

Municipal Rehabilitation, Series A, AMBAC Insured, 5.00%, 4/01/28

     15,000,000        15,223,800  

Provident Group-Kean Properties LLC, Kean University Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%,
7/01/32

     640,000        698,125  

Provident Group-Kean Properties LLC, Kean University Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%,
7/01/37

     600,000        645,162  

Provident Group-Kean Properties LLC, Kean University Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%,
7/01/47

     1,500,000        1,599,090  

Provident Group-Montclair Properties LLC, State University Student Housing Project, Refunding,
AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/01/37

     3,000,000        3,347,700  

Provident Group-Montclair Properties LLC, State University Student Housing Project, Refunding,
AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 6/01/42

     3,000,000        3,325,200  

Provident Group-Rowan Properties LLC, Rowan University Student Housing Project, Series A, 5.00%,
1/01/48

     7,000,000        7,392,980  

School Facilities Construction, Refunding, Series K, NATL Insured, 5.25%, 12/15/21

     10,000,000        10,949,200  

School Facilities Construction, Refunding, Series N-1, NATL Insured, 5.50%, 9/01/27

     8,660,000        10,056,858  

School Facilities Construction, Series WW, 5.00%, 6/15/37

     4,760,000        4,993,573  

School Facilities Construction, Series Z, Assured Guaranty, 5.50%, 12/15/34

     25,000        25,686  

School Facilities Construction, Series Z, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 12/15/34

     1,960,000        2,024,288  

School Facilities Construction, Series Z, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 12/15/34

     1,015,000        1,047,886  

New Jersey EDA Water Facilities Revenue,

     

New Jersey-American Water Co. Inc. Project, Refunding, Series A, 5.70%, 10/01/39

     10,000,000        10,535,800  

New Jersey-American Water Co. Inc. Project, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 10/01/39

     8,750,000        9,181,462  

 

 

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 Annual Report      

 

 

    113


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey (continued)

     

 

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

     

Atlantic Health System Hospital Corp. Issue, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 7/01/41

   $ 10,600,000      $   12,047,324  

Atlantic Health System Hospital Corp. Issue, Refunding, 4.00%, 7/01/41

     10,000,000        10,081,400  

Atlantic Health System Hospital Corp. Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     220,000        222,468  

Atlantic Health System Hospital Corp. Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     7,780,000        7,875,772  

Barnabas Health Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.625%, 7/01/32

     5,500,000        6,156,150  

Barnabas Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     15,530,000        16,780,165  

Hackensack Meridian Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/38

     3,000,000        3,406,590  

Hackensack Meridian Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     5,000,000        5,660,450  

Hunterdon Medical Center Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/45

     2,650,000        2,861,788  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/37

     1,600,000        1,793,632  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/46

     18,500,000        20,366,095  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     8,000,000        8,900,720  

Inspira Health Obligated Group Issue, Series A, 4.00%, 7/01/47

     8,700,000        8,746,806  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/01/27

     2,500,000        2,750,375  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group Issue, Tranche I, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%,
7/01/38

     9,465,000        9,581,514  

Meridian Health System Obligated Group Issue, Tranche II, Assured Guaranty, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%,
7/01/38

     6,000,000        6,073,860  

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/43

     3,650,000        4,013,394  

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Issue, Series A, 5.50%, 7/01/43

     4,000,000        4,511,320  

RWJ Barnabas Health Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/43

     15,000,000        16,558,500  

St. Luke’s Warren Hospital Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/15/31

     2,935,000        3,208,836  

St. Luke’s Warren Hospital Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, 5.00%, 8/15/34

     1,500,000        1,627,395  

St. Peter’s University Hospital Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, 6.00%, 7/01/26

     1,000,000        1,070,740  

St. Peter’s University Hospital Obligated Group Issue, Refunding, 6.25%, 7/01/35

     3,400,000        3,654,728  

Virtua Health Issue, Series A, Assured Guaranty, 5.50%, 7/01/38

     10,000,000        10,455,600  

New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority State Contract Revenue,

     

Hospital Asset Transformation Program, Series A, 5.75%, 10/01/31

     10,000,000        10,506,700  

Hospital Asset Transformation Program, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 10/01/38

     15,000,000        15,342,434  

New Jersey Institute of Technology GO,

     

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     4,860,000        5,305,468  

Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/45

     6,000,000        6,712,920  

Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     2,140,000        2,418,286  

New Jersey State COP, Equipment Lease Purchase Agreement, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 6/15/29

     1,000,000        1,046,520  

New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue,

     

The College of New Jersey Issue, Refunding, Series F, 4.00%, 7/01/35

     1,850,000        1,897,416  

Kean University Issue, Refunding, Series D, BAM Insured, 4.00%, 9/01/38

     1,150,000        1,188,594  

Kean University Issue, Refunding, Series H, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     2,205,000        2,445,698  

Kean University Issue, Refunding, Series H, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     5,000,000        5,532,100  

Kean University Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.50%, 9/01/36

     8,500,000        8,984,585  

Montclair State University Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     10,415,000        11,525,135  

Montclair State University Issue, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     2,325,000        2,626,994  

Montclair State University Issue, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     2,245,000        2,502,434  

Montclair State University Issue, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/36

     1,210,000        1,346,246  

Montclair State University Issue, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     5,000,000        5,554,200  

Montclair State University Issue, Series J, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 7/01/38

     2,000,000        2,025,920  

Princeton University, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/44

     15,000,000        17,041,500  

Princeton University, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/39

     15,000,000        16,422,150  

Princeton University, Series B, 4.375%, 7/01/41

     10,000,000        10,516,700  

Ramapo College of New Jersey Issue, Series A, AGMC insured, 5.00%, 7/01/35

     3,955,000        4,491,021  

 

 

114    

 

 

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franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey (continued)

     

New Jersey State Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, (continued)

     

Ramapo College of New Jersey Issue, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/37

   $ 1,000,000      $     1,088,250  

Ramapo College of New Jersey Issue, Series B, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     1,000,000        1,084,850  

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey Issue, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 5.375%, 7/01/38

     5,000,000        5,066,050  

Seton Hall University Issue, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/34

     400,000        443,388  

Seton Hall University Issue, Refunding, Series C, 5.00%, 7/01/37

     1,300,000        1,433,016  

Seton Hall University Issue, Refunding, Series D, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     4,945,000        5,530,884  

Seton Hall University Issue, Series E, Pre-Refunded, 6.25%, 7/01/37

     5,000,000        5,310,900  

Stevens Institute of Technology Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     6,250,000        6,958,937  

Stevens Institute of Technology Issue, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%, 7/01/47

     4,085,000        4,531,205  

Stevens Institute of Technology Issue, Series I, ETM, 5.00%, 7/01/18

     100,000        101,197  

Stevens Institute of Technology Issue, Series I, ETM, 5.00%, 7/01/28

     710,000        814,043  

The William Paterson University of New Jersey Issue, Refunding, Series C, Assured Guaranty, 5.00%,
7/01/38

     395,000        398,551  

New Jersey State Higher Education Assistance Authority Student Loan Revenue,

     

Refunding, Series 1, 5.875%, 12/01/33

     2,140,000        2,316,122  

Refunding, Series 1A, 5.125%, 12/01/27

     2,670,000        2,793,274  

Refunding, Series 1A, 5.25%, 12/01/28

     2,680,000        2,809,122  

Series 2, 5.00%, 12/01/26

     580,000        614,754  

Series 2, 5.00%, 12/01/27

     425,000        449,773  

Series 2, 5.00%, 12/01/28

     440,000        465,287  

Series 2, 5.00%, 12/01/30

     1,500,000        1,583,355  

Series 2, 5.00%, 12/01/36

     1,000,000        1,053,940  

Series A, 5.625%, 6/01/30

     14,500,000        15,092,470  

Series A, Assured Guaranty, 6.125%, 6/01/30

     4,730,000        4,763,961  

New Jersey State Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency MFHR, Series I, 5.75%, 11/01/38

     2,490,000        2,497,520  

New Jersey State Transportation Trust Fund Authority Revenue,

     

Transportation Program, Series AA, 5.25%, 6/15/31

     10,000,000        10,702,700  

Transportation System, Capital Appreciation, Series A, zero cpn., 12/15/29

     5,000,000        2,969,500  

Transportation System, Capital Appreciation, Series A, zero cpn., 12/15/32

     10,000,000        5,082,400  

Transportation System, Capital Appreciation, Series C, AGMC Insured, zero cpn., 12/15/33

     10,000,000        5,148,500  

Transportation System, Series A, 6.00%, 12/15/38

     16,110,000        16,587,661  

Transportation System, Series A, 5.50%, 6/15/41

     5,000,000        5,267,850  

Transportation System, Series A, AGMC Insured, 5.00%, 12/15/34

     15,000,000        15,031,950  

Transportation System, Series A, AMBAC Insured, 5.00%, 12/15/32

     10,000,000        10,021,400  

Transportation System, Series A, Pre-Refunded, 6.00%, 12/15/38

     8,890,000        9,212,707  

New Jersey State Turnpike Authority Revenue,

     

Turnpike, Refunding, Series B, 5.00%, 1/01/40

     20,745,000        23,553,666  

Turnpike, Refunding, Series G, 4.00%, 1/01/43

     5,000,000        5,118,350  

Turnpike, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/34

     6,505,000        7,420,774  

Turnpike, Series A, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     3,495,000        3,975,458  

Turnpike, Series E, Pre-Refunded, 5.25%, 1/01/40

     30,000,000        30,965,100  

Turnpike, Series H, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/36

     9,100,000        9,374,001  

Turnpike, Series H, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/36

     4,900,000        5,043,423  

Turnpike, Series I, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     5,000,000        5,312,850  

Newark Housing Authority Port Authority Revenue, Newark Marine Terminal, City of Newark
Redevelopment Projects, Refunding, 4.00%, 1/01/37

     20,745,000        21,664,626  

North Hudson Sewerage Authority Gross Revenue, Lease Certificates, Refunding, Series A, 5.00%,
6/01/42

     17,800,000        19,305,168  

Passaic County Improvement Authority County Guaranteed Parking Revenue, 200 Hospital Plaza Corp.
Project, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/42

     3,200,000        3,434,688  

 

 

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    115


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

    

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

 

 

Municipal Bonds (continued)

     

New Jersey (continued)

     

 

Rutgers State University GO,

     

Series F, Pre-Refunded, 5.00%, 5/01/39

   $ 20,000,000      $ 20,823,200  

Series L, 5.00%, 5/01/43

     12,000,000        13,248,480  

Salem County PCFA, PCR, Atlantic City Electric Co. Project, Refunding, Series A, 4.875%, 6/01/29

     5,000,000        5,263,750  

Somerset County GO,

     

Refunding, 4.00%, 8/01/27

     1,000,000        1,124,220  

Refunding, 4.00%, 8/01/28

     1,405,000        1,568,289  

Refunding, 4.00%, 8/01/29

     1,000,000        1,108,290  

Sussex County Municipal Utilities Authority Wastewater Facilities Revenue,

     

Capital Appreciation, Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 12/01/35

     2,815,000        1,103,564  

Capital Appreciation, Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 12/01/36

     2,810,000        1,037,761  

Capital Appreciation, Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 12/01/37

     2,815,000        980,802  

Capital Appreciation, Series B, AGMC Insured, Pre-Refunded, zero cpn., 12/01/38

     2,810,000        921,680  
     

 

 

 
        793,579,494  
     

 

 

 

New York 8.5%

     

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Revenue,

     

Consolidated, One Hundred Fifty-Third Series, Refunding, 5.00%, 7/15/38

     8,850,000        8,969,475  

Consolidated, One Hundred Sixty-First Series, 5.00%, 10/15/33

     10,000,000        10,534,600  

Consolidated, Refunding, One Hundred Seventy-First Series, 5.00%, 7/15/30

     12,200,000        13,450,622  

Consolidated, Refunding, One Hundred Seventy-Ninth Series, 5.00%, 12/01/38

     15,000,000        16,969,650  

Consolidated, Refunding, One Hundred Sixtieth Series, 5.00%, 9/15/36

     15,000,000        15,751,950  

Consolidated, Refunding, One Hundred Sixty-Sixth Series, 5.25%, 7/15/36

     5,000,000        5,468,450  

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Special Project Revenue, JFK International Air Terminal LLC
Project, NATL Insured, 5.75%, 12/01/22

     8,000,000        8,400,480  
     

 

 

 
        79,545,227  
     

 

 

 

Pennsylvania 4.3%

     

Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission Revenue, Bridge System, 5.00%, 7/01/42

     12,500,000        14,140,500  

Delaware River Port Authority Revenue,

     

5.00%, 1/01/37

     10,000,000        11,050,900  

Series E, 5.00%, 1/01/35

     14,000,000        14,756,000  
     

 

 

 
        39,947,400  
     

 

 

 

U.S. Territories 0.8%

     

Puerto Rico 0.8%

     

a Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority Power Revenue,

     

Series WW, 5.50%, 7/01/38

     16,620,000        6,253,275  

Series XX, 5.25%, 7/01/40

     3,125,000        1,175,781  
     

 

 

 
        7,429,056  
     

 

 

 

Total Municipal Bonds before Short Term Investments (Cost $906,570,999)

        927,056,597  
     

 

 

 

 

 

116    

 

 

      Annual Report

      

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS

 

  

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (continued)

 

     

Principal
Amount

 

    

Value

 

 

 

 

Short Term Investments 0.4%

     

Municipal Bonds 0.4%

     

 

New Jersey 0.4%

     

 

b New Jersey Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue,

     

Virtua Health Issue, Series B, LOC JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.00%, 7/01/43

   $   1,400,000      $ 1,400,000  

Virtua Health Issue, Series C, LOC JPMorgan Chase Bank, Daily VRDN and Put, 1.00%, 7/01/43

     3,000,000        3,000,000  
     

 

 

 

 

Total Short Term Investments (Cost $4,400,000)

        4,400,000  
     

 

 

 

 

Total Investments (Cost $910,970,999) 99.2%

        931,456,597  

Other Assets, less Liabilities 0.8%

        7,098,416  
     

 

 

 

 

Net Assets 100.0%

      $ 938,555,013  
     

 

 

 

See Abbreviations on page 140.

a See Note 7 regarding defaulted securities.

b Variable rate demand notes (VRDNs) are obligations which contain a floating or variable interest rate adjustment formula and an unconditional right of demand to receive payment of the principal balance plus accrued interest at specified dates. Unless otherwise noted, the coupon rate is determined based on factors including supply and demand, underlying credit, tax treatment, and current short term rates. The coupon rate shown represents the rate at period end.

 

 

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    117


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

 

Financial Statements

Statements of Assets and Liabilities

February 28, 2018

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    

Franklin

High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund

     Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

 

 

Assets:

           

Investments in securities:

           

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

               $3,941,936,858        $989,260,576        $6,072,286,804        $466,004,327  
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

               $4,049,445,450        $985,354,594        $6,635,116,190        $480,506,897  

Cash

     67,956        92,604        98,252        28,177  

Receivables:

           

Investment securities sold

                   11,029,300         

Capital shares sold

     5,758,189        1,457,485        4,824,128        1,383,089  

Interest

     43,888,626        7,406,721        80,176,971        4,895,514  

Affiliates

            17,439                

Other assets

     4,118        987        6,784        485  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     4,099,164,339        994,329,830        6,731,251,625        486,814,162  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Payables:

           

Investment securities purchased

     9,410,640        5,704,400        4,110,748         

Capital shares redeemed

     9,148,630        1,441,230        17,506,023        1,056,177  

Management fees

     1,236,173        246,570        2,530,331        202,559  

Distribution fees

     322,527        79,489        793,113        56,475  

Transfer agent fees

     502,295               1,016,858        36,890  

Distributions to shareholders

     1,158,395        209,524        2,851,243        189,789  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     256,662        88,055        785,455        57,125  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     22,035,322        7,769,268        29,593,771        1,599,015  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

               $4,077,129,017        $986,560,562        $6,701,657,854        $485,215,147  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

           

Paid-in capital

               $4,031,400,695        $989,549,652        $7,007,047,929        $488,681,918  

Undistributed net investment income

     4,122,460        2,317,090        34,338,345        397,440  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     107,508,592        (3,905,982      562,829,386        14,502,570  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (65,902,730      (1,400,198      (902,557,806      (18,366,781
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

               $4,077,129,017        $986,560,562        $6,701,657,854        $485,215,147  
  

 

 

 

 

 

118    

 

 

      Annual Report  |

 

 

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

  

 

franklintempleton.com


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (continued)

February 28, 2018

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

 

 
Class A:            

Net assets, at value

             $1,850,074,553          $687,196,920        $4,608,917,170        $363,554,876  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     154,903,912          66,777,022        463,797,460        31,682,810  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

     $11.94          $10.29        $9.94        $11.47  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 97.75%, 97.75%, 95.75% and 95.75%, respectively)

     $12.21          $10.53        $10.38        $11.98  
  

 

 

 
Class M:            

Net assets, at value

           $4,941       
        

 

 

    

Shares outstanding

           497       
        

 

 

    

Net asset value per sharea

           $9.94       
        

 

 

    

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 95.75%)

           $10.38       
        

 

 

    
Class C:            

Net assets, at value

     $   358,228,196             $   870,227,015        $  56,607,040  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     29,906,105             85,910,993        4,874,917  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $11.98             $10.13        $11.61  
  

 

 

       

 

 

 
Class R6:            

Net assets, at value

     $   672,199,306          $  51,655,921        $   152,254,959        $    1,687,549  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     56,135,777          5,024,500        15,249,925        147,018  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.97          $10.28        $9.98        $11.48  
  

 

 

 
Advisor Class:            

Net assets, at value

     $1,196,626,962          $247,707,721        $1,070,253,769        $  63,365,682  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     99,958,305          24,084,298        107,235,207        5,520,812  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.97          $10.29        $9.98        $11.48  
  

 

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

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    119


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Assets and Liabilities  (continued)

February 28, 2018

 

     Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

 

 

Assets:

  

Investments in securities:

  

Cost - Unaffiliated issuers

     $   910,970,999  
  

 

 

 

Value - Unaffiliated issuers

     $   931,456,597  

Cash

     26,841  

Receivables:

  

Capital shares sold

     1,008,885  

Interest

     9,752,621  

Other assets

     941  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     942,245,885  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities:

  

Payables:

  

Capital shares redeemed

     2,572,714  

Management fees

     372,412  

Distribution fees

     145,026  

Transfer agent fees

     122,147  

Distributions to shareholders

     393,818  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

     84,755  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     3,690,872  
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

     $   938,555,013  
  

 

 

 

Net assets consist of:

  

Paid-in capital

     $1,008,077,216  

Undistributed net investment income

     1,894,570  

Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     20,485,598  

Accumulated net realized gain (loss)

     (91,902,371
  

 

 

 

Net assets, at value

         $   938,555,013  
  

 

 

 
Class A:   

Net assets, at value

     $   650,527,183  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     58,546,890  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value per sharea

     $11.11  
  

 

 

 

Maximum offering price per share (net asset value per share ÷ 95.75%)

     $11.60  
  

 

 

 
Class C:   

Net assets, at value

     $   188,805,530  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     16,769,903  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per sharea

     $11.26  
  

 

 

 
Class R6:   

Net assets, at value

     $     19,936,206  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     1,792,710  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.12  
  

 

 

 
Advisor Class:   

Net assets, at value

     $     79,286,094  
  

 

 

 

Shares outstanding

     7,130,008  
  

 

 

 

Net asset value and maximum offering price per share

     $11.12  
  

 

 

 

aRedemption price is equal to net asset value less contingent deferred sales charges, if applicable.

 

 

120    

 

 

      Annual Report  |

 

 

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

  

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Operations

for the year ended February 28, 2018

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

 

 

Investment income:

           

Interest:

           

Unaffiliated issuers

     $138,584,650        $15,386,268        $ 357,186,953        $17,716,189  
  

 

 

 

Expenses:

           

Management fees (Note 3a)

     19,554,244        4,992,404        32,965,008        2,406,883  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

           

Class A

     1,902,193        1,126,676        4,924,523        371,302  

Class C

     2,525,928               6,212,824        380,408  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

           

Class A

     1,685,997        457,766        3,507,188        190,258  

Class C

     347,206               680,782        29,952  

Class R6

     46,290        3,503        9,595        356  

Advisor Class

     1,585,321        177,879        992,979        24,610  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

     36,277        9,171        39,490        4,052  

Reports to shareholders

     219,387        45,921        296,576        14,805  

Registration and filing fees

     168,181        94,141        264,437        42,958  

Professional fees

     78,070        50,158        1,561,545        44,592  

Trustees’ fees and expenses

     23,552        5,824        40,896        2,600  

Other

     251,092        63,292        945,945        31,644  
  

 

 

 

Total expenses

     28,423,738        7,026,735        52,441,788        3,544,420  

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f)

     (312,198      (901,572      (2,084      (246
  

 

 

 

Net expenses

     28,111,540        6,125,163        52,439,704        3,544,174  
  

 

 

 

Net investment income

     110,473,110        9,261,105        304,747,249        14,172,015  
  

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

           

Net realized gain (loss) from:

           

Investments:

           

Unaffiliated issuers

     (4,320,540      1,773        (287,662,623      358,000  
  

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

           

Investments:

           

Unaffiliated issuers

     (50,836,613      (9,020,355      75,982,772        (7,171,497
  

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

     (55,157,153      (9,018,582      (211,679,851      (6,813,497
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     $  55,315,957        $     242,523        $   93,067,398        $  7,358,518  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    121


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Operations  (continued)

for the year ended February 28, 2018

 

    Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

 

 

Investment income:

 

Interest:

 

Unaffiliated issuers

      $42,207,199  
 

 

 

 

Expenses:

 

Management fees (Note 3a)

    4,819,942  

Distribution fees: (Note 3c)

 

Class A

    712,316  

Class C

    1,324,446  

Transfer agent fees: (Note 3e)

 

Class A

    432,465  

Class C

    123,712  

Class R6

    769  

Advisor Class

    62,582  

Custodian fees (Note 4)

    8,590  

Reports to shareholders

    37,719  

Registration and filing fees

    33,670  

Professional fees.

    202,624  

Trustees’ fees and expenses.

    5,722  

Other

    71,230  
 

 

 

 

Total expenses

    7,835,787  

Expenses waived/paid by affiliates (Note 3f)

    (251
 

 

 

 

Net expenses

    7,835,536  
 

 

 

 

Net investment income

    34,371,663  
 

 

 

 

Realized and unrealized gains (losses):

 

Net realized gain (loss) from:

 

Investments:

 

Unaffiliated issuers.

    (37,097,079
 

 

 

 

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:

 

Investments:

 

Unaffiliated issuers.

    9,121,748  
 

 

 

 

Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)

    (27,975,331
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

    $  6,396,332  
 

 

 

 

 

 

122    

 

 

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

  

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Year Ended February 28,      Year Ended February 28,  
  

 

 

 
     2018      2017      2018      2017  

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

           

Operations:

           

Net investment income

       $   110,473,110        $   111,732,300        $       9,261,105        $       9,487,093  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (4,320,540      (6,891,021      1,773        (229,300

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     (50,836,613      (138,812,381      (9,020,355      (7,716,027
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     55,315,957        (33,971,102      242,523        1,541,766  
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from:

           

Net investment income:

           

Class A

     (48,484,336      (50,473,627      (5,901,817      (6,759,704

Class C

     (7,798,831      (8,745,487              

Class R6

     (6,133,119             (96,780       

Advisor Class

     (47,080,920      (51,215,641      (2,718,263      (2,444,446
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (109,497,206      (110,434,755      (8,716,860      (9,204,150
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

           

Class A

     (53,666,708      (22,092,610      (117,698,356      (70,013,052

Class C

     (62,882,244      (29,119,106              

Class R6

     686,346,546               51,813,851         

Advisor Class

     (779,460,199      29,809,308        (46,189,518      58,463,383  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (209,662,605      (21,402,408      (112,074,023      (11,549,669
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (263,843,854      (165,808,265      (120,548,360      (19,212,053

Net assets:

           

Beginning of year

     4,340,972,871        4,506,781,136        1,107,108,922        1,126,320,975  
  

 

 

 

End of year

     $4,077,129,017        $4,340,972,871        $   986,560,562        $1,107,108,922  
  

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:

           

End of year

     $       4,122,460        $       3,313,068        $       2,317,090        $       1,784,700  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    123


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

     Franklin High Yield
Tax-Free Income Fund
     Franklin Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
  

 

 

 
     Year Ended February 28,      Year Ended February 28,  
  

 

 

 
     2018      2017      2018      2017  

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

           

Operations:

           

Net investment income

       $   304,747,249        $   360,964,780        $  14,172,015        $  15,089,918  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (287,662,623      (23,675,164      358,000        5,351  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     75,982,772        (243,817,709      (7,171,497      (12,365,172
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     93,067,398        93,471,907        7,358,518        2,730,097  
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from:

           

Net investment income:

           

Class A

     (215,218,407      (225,087,572      (11,287,602      (12,958,046

Class M

     (21                     

Class C

     (35,674,025      (39,420,525      (1,432,168      (1,642,419

Class R6

     (1,683,296             (16,359       

Advisor Class

     (62,100,734      (87,452,886      (1,489,315      (552,641
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (314,676,483      (351,960,983      (14,225,444      (15,153,106
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

           

Class A

     (271,312,912      77,573,432        (6,851,617      (14,369,915

Class M

     5,000                       

Class C

     (127,308,289      (4,569,990      (3,100,354      188,116  

Class R6

     154,732,700               1,727,309         

Advisor Class

     (787,584,522      (207,660,826      29,521,099        22,740,465  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (1,031,468,023      (134,657,384      21,296,437        8,558,666  
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (1,253,077,108      (393,146,460      14,429,511        (3,864,343

Net assets:

           

Beginning of year.

     7,954,734,962        8,347,881,422        470,785,636        474,649,979  
  

 

 

 

End of year

     $6,701,657,854        $7,954,734,962        $485,215,147        $470,785,636  
  

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:

           

End of year

     $     34,338,345        $     29,577,709        $       397,440        $       513,568  
  

 

 

 

 

 

124    

 

 

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

  

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Statements of Changes in Net Assets  (continued)

 

     Franklin New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
     Year Ended February 28,  
     2018      2017  

 

 

Increase (decrease) in net assets:

     

Operations:

     

Net investment income

     $ 34,371,663      $ 40,836,315  

Net realized gain (loss)

     (37,097,079      142,422  

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

     9,121,748        (25,834,938
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations

     6,396,332        15,143,799  
  

 

 

 

Distributions to shareholders from:

     

      Net investment income:

     

Class A

     (26,349,778      (30,243,264

Class C

     (6,305,931      (7,217,010

Class R6

     (101,635       

Advisor Class

     (3,910,816      (3,904,866
  

 

 

 

Total distributions to shareholders

     (36,668,160      (41,365,140
  

 

 

 

Capital share transactions: (Note 2)

     

Class A

     (71,112,191      (31,889,428

Class C

     (23,157,497      6,466,214  

Class R6

     20,184,362         

Advisor Class

     (24,950,926      18,458,443  
  

 

 

 

Total capital share transactions

     (99,036,252      (6,964,771
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in net assets

     (129,308,080      (33,186,112

Net assets:

     

Beginning of year

     1,067,863,093        1,101,049,205  
  

 

 

 

End of year

     $ 938,555,013      $ 1,067,863,093  
  

 

 

 

Undistributed net investment income included in net assets:

     

End of year

     $ 1,894,570      $ 3,231,820  
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    125


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

1. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Franklin Tax-Free Trust (Trust) is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (1940 Act) as an open-end management investment company, consisting of twenty two separate funds, five of which are included in this report (Funds) and applies the specialized accounting and reporting guidance in U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP). The classes of shares offered within each of the Funds are indicated below. Each class of shares may differ by its initial sales load, contingent deferred sales charges, voting rights on matters affecting a single class, its exchange privilege and fees due to differing arrangements for distribution and transfer agent fees. Effective August 1, 2017, the Funds began offering a new class of shares, Class R6. Effective January 25, 2018, Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund began offering a new class of shares, Class M.

 

Class A, Class R6 & Advisor Class

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Class A, Class C, Class R6 & Advisor Class

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

Class A, Class M, Class C, Class R6 & Advisor Class

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

The following summarizes the Funds’ significant accounting policies.

a.  Financial Instrument Valuation

The Funds’ investments in financial instruments are carried at fair value daily. Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The Funds calculate the net asset value (NAV) per share as of 4 p.m. Eastern time each day the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is open for trading. Under compliance policies and procedures approved by the Trust’s Board of Trustees (the Board), the Funds’ administrator has responsibility for oversight of valuation, including leading the cross-functional Valuation Committee (VC). The VC provides administration and oversight of the Funds’ valuation policies and procedures, which are approved annually by the Board. Among other things, these procedures allow the Funds to utilize

independent pricing services, quotations from securities and financial instrument dealers, and other market sources to determine fair value.

Debt securities generally trade in the over-the-counter market rather than on a securities exchange. The Funds’ pricing services use multiple valuation techniques to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity exists, the pricing services may utilize a market-based approach through which quotes from market makers are used to determine fair value. In instances where sufficient market activity may not exist or is limited, the pricing services also utilize proprietary valuation models which may consider market characteristics such as benchmark yield curves, credit spreads, estimated default rates, anticipated market interest rate volatility, coupon rates, anticipated timing of principal repayments, underlying collateral, and other unique security features in order to estimate the relevant cash flows, which are then discounted to calculate the fair value.

The Funds have procedures to determine the fair value of financial instruments for which market prices are not reliable or readily available. Under these procedures, the VC convenes on a regular basis to review such financial instruments and considers a number of factors, including significant unobservable valuation inputs, when arriving at fair value. The VC primarily employs a market-based approach which may use related or comparable assets or liabilities, recent transactions, market multiples, book values, and other relevant information for the investment to determine the fair value of the investment. An income-based valuation approach may also be used in which the anticipated future cash flows of the investment are discounted to calculate fair value. Discounts may also be applied due to the nature or duration of any restrictions on the disposition of the investments. Due to the inherent uncertainty of valuations of such investments, the fair values may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had an active market existed. The VC employs various methods for calibrating these valuation approaches including a regular review of key inputs and assumptions, transactional back-testing or disposition analysis, and reviews of any related market activity.

b.  Securities Purchased on a When-Issued Basis

Certain or all Funds purchase securities on a when-issued basis, with payment and delivery scheduled for a future date. These transactions are subject to market fluctuations and are subject to

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

the risk that the value at delivery may be more or less than the trade date purchase price. Although the Funds will generally purchase these securities with the intention of holding the securities, they may sell the securities before the settlement date. Sufficient assets have been segregated for these securities.

c.  Income Taxes

It is each Fund’s policy to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code. Each Fund intends to distribute to shareholders substantially all of its income and net realized gains to relieve it from federal income and excise taxes. As a result, no provision for U.S. federal income taxes is required.

Each Fund may recognize an income tax liability related to its uncertain tax positions under U.S. GAAP when the uncertain tax position has a less than 50% probability that it will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities based on its technical merits. As of February 28, 2018, each Fund has determined that no tax liability is required in its financial statements related to uncertain tax positions for any open tax years (or expected to be taken in future tax years). Open tax years are those that remain subject to examination and are based on the statute of limitations in each jurisdiction in which the Fund invests.

d.  Security Transactions, Investment Income, Expenses and Distributions

Security transactions are accounted for on trade date. Realized gains and losses on security transactions are determined on a specific identification basis. Interest income and estimated expenses are accrued daily. Amortization of premium and accretion of discount on debt securities are included in interest income. Dividends from net investment income are normally declared daily; these dividends may be reinvested or paid monthly to shareholders. Distributions from realized capital gains and other distributions, if any, are recorded on the ex-dividend date. Distributable earnings are determined according to income tax regulations (tax basis) and may differ from earnings recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These differences may be permanent or temporary. Permanent differences are reclassified among capital accounts to reflect their tax character. These reclassifications have no impact on net assets or the results of operations. Temporary differences are not reclassified, as they may reverse in subsequent periods.

Common expenses incurred by the Trust are allocated among the Funds based on the ratio of net assets of each Fund to the combined net assets of the Trust. Fund specific expenses are charged directly to the Fund that incurred the expense.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses and net investment income, excluding class specific expenses, are allocated daily to each class of shares based upon the relative proportion of net assets of each class. Differences in per share distributions by class are generally due to differences in class specific expenses.

e.  Insurance

The scheduled payments of interest and principal for each insured municipal security in the Trust are insured by either a new issue insurance policy or a secondary insurance policy. Some municipal securities in the Funds are secured by collateral guaranteed by an agency of the U.S. government. Depending on the type of coverage, premiums for insurance are either added to the cost basis of the security or paid by a third party.

Insurance companies typically insure municipal bonds that tend to be of very high quality, with the majority of underlying municipal bonds rated A or better. However, an event involving an insurer could have an adverse effect on the value of the securities insured by that insurance company. There can be no assurance the insurer will be able to fulfill its obligations under the terms of the policy.

f.  Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the amounts of income and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

g.  Guarantees and Indemnifications

Under the Trust’s organizational documents, its officers and trustees are indemnified by the Trust against certain liabilities arising out of the performance of their duties to the Trust. Additionally, in the normal course of business, the Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Trust’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Trust that have not yet occurred. Currently, the Trust expects the risk of loss to be remote.

 

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest

At February 28, 2018, there were an unlimited number of shares authorized (without par value). Transactions in the Funds’ shares were as follows:

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
    Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
     

Shares    

 

    Amount         Shares         Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018

        

Shares sold

     28,235,418     $ 343,329,113       14,487,927     $ 149,741,605    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,696,574       44,928,108       523,384       5,415,334    
Shares redeemed      (36,368,046     (441,923,929     (26,389,284     (272,855,295)   
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (4,436,054   $ (53,666,708     (11,377,973   $ (117,698,356)   
  

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

        

Shares sold

     38,289,747     $ 472,525,956       23,057,263     $ 239,197,631    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,784,165       46,770,260       595,373       6,190,350    

Shares redeemed

     (44,205,794     (541,388,826     (30,359,342     (315,401,033)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      (2,131,882   $ (22,092,610     (6,706,706   $ (70,013,052)   
  

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018

        

Shares sold

     2,827,863     $ 34,472,485      

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     550,646       6,712,386      
Shares redeemed      (8,531,734     (104,067,115    
  

 

 

     

Net increase (decrease)

     (5,153,225   $ (62,882,244    
  

 

 

     

Year ended February 28, 2017

        

Shares sold

     5,554,201     $ 68,930,265      

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     596,489       7,393,393      

Shares redeemed

     (8,553,385     (105,442,764    
  

 

 

     
Net increase (decrease)      (2,402,695   $ (29,119,106    
  

 

 

     

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018a

        

Shares sold

     58,711,575     $ 717,585,816       5,324,785     $ 54,905,710    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     505,941       6,109,534       8,308       85,457    
Shares redeemed      (3,081,739     (37,348,804     (308,593     (3,177,316)   
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     56,135,777     $ 686,346,546       5,024,500     $ 51,813,851    
  

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018

        

Shares sold

     42,866,671     $ 523,274,733       10,412,288     $ 107,741,817    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,022,878       36,894,235       92,916       960,863    
Shares redeemed      (109,616,704     (1,339,629,167     (14,997,387     (154,892,198)   
  

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

     (63,727,155   $ (779,460,199     (4,492,183   $ (46,189,518)   
  

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

        

Shares sold

     53,941,075     $ 666,134,370       13,042,037     $ 135,264,338    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,362,680       41,665,299       79,269       823,331    

Shares redeemed

     (54,907,619     (677,990,361     (7,480,163     (77,624,286)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      2,396,136     $ 29,809,308       5,641,143     $ 58,463,383    
  

 

 

 

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Franklin High Yield
Tax-Free Income Fund
    Franklin Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
     

Shares    

 

    Amount         Shares         Amount      

Class A Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018

        

Shares sold

     56,198,177     $ 573,018,809       2,666,496     $ 31,220,999    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     18,862,623       191,928,603       806,617       9,427,332    

Shares redeemed

     (101,911,852     (1,036,260,324     (4,064,845     (47,499,948)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      (26,851,052   $ (271,312,912     (591,732   $ (6,851,617)   
  

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

        

Shares sold

     67,462,588     $ 704,913,793       4,147,699     $ 49,067,816    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     18,968,730       200,305,510       893,150       10,624,768    

Shares issued on reorganization

     10,820,997       123,762,243             —    

Shares redeemed

     (90,689,443     (951,408,114     (6,284,781     (74,062,499)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      6,562,872     $ 77,573,432       (1,243,932   $ (14,369,915)   
  

 

 

 

Class M Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018b

        

Shares sold

     497     $ 5,000      
  

 

 

     

Class C Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018

        

Shares sold

     6,926,046     $ 71,954,414       488,118     $ 5,781,716    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,078,302       31,915,955       107,551       1,272,013    

Shares redeemed

     (22,269,857     (231,178,658     (857,320     (10,154,083)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      (12,265,509   $ (127,308,289     (261,651   $ (3,100,354)   
  

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

        

Shares sold

     11,603,148     $ 123,635,212       727,903     $ 8,769,583    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     3,191,076       34,300,844       117,593       1,414,781    

Shares issued on reorganization

     2,131,065       24,808,421             —    

Shares redeemed

     (17,528,712     (187,314,467     (831,137     (9,996,248)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      (603,423   $ (4,569,990     14,359     $ 188,116    
  

 

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

        

Year ended February 28, 2018a

        

Shares sold

     16,101,405     $ 163,359,180       151,335     $ 1,777,784    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

     163,224       1,643,589       1,401       16,297    

Shares redeemed

     (1,014,704     (10,270,069     (5,718     (66,772)   
  

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)      15,249,925     $ 154,732,700       147,018     $ 1,727,309    
  

 

 

 

 

 

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    129


FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

2. Shares of Beneficial Interest  (continued)

 

    Franklin High Yield
Tax-Free Income Fund
    Franklin Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
    

Shares    

 

   

Amount    

 

   

Shares    

 

   

Amount    

 

 
                         

Advisor Class Shares:

       
Year ended February 28, 2018        
Shares sold     44,136,332     $ 452,127,463       3,335,672     $ 39,063,150  
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     4,909,254       50,196,375       91,243       1,065,792  
Shares redeemed     (126,207,763     (1,289,908,360     (906,916     (10,607,843
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     (77,162,177   $ (787,584,522     2,519,999     $ 29,521,099  
 

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

       

Shares sold

    73,829,408     $ 775,219,149       2,279,027     $ 26,671,706  

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    6,812,943       72,279,592       35,321       419,032  

Shares issued on reorganization

    135,594       1,558,108              

Shares redeemed

    (100,560,064     (1,056,717,675     (370,056     (4,350,273
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    (19,782,119   $ (207,660,826     1,944,292     $ 22,740,465  
 

 

 

 

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.
bFor the period January 25, 2018 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

 

    Franklin New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
    

Shares    

 

   

Amount    

 

 

Class A Shares:

   
Year ended February 28, 2018    
Shares sold     4,941,051     $ 56,061,061   
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     1,952,307       22,089,698   
Shares redeemed     (13,196,549     (149,262,950)  
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     (6,303,191   $ (71,112,191)  
 

 

 

 
Year ended February 28, 2017    
Shares sold     7,545,672     $ 88,084,612   
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     2,174,182       25,432,571   
Shares redeemed     (12,490,241     (145,406,611)  
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     (2,770,387   $ (31,889,428)  
 

 

 

 

Class C Shares:

   

Year ended February 28, 2018

   

Shares sold

    1,858,227     $ 21,362,122    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    479,069       5,491,008    
Shares redeemed     (4,355,972     (50,010,627)   
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     (2,018,676   $ (23,157,497)   
 

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

   

Shares sold

    3,030,329     $ 36,020,383    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    508,134       6,017,473    

Shares redeemed

    (3,014,837     (35,571,642)   
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    523,626     $ 6,466,214    
 

 

 

 

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

    Franklin New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
    

Shares    

 

   

Amount    

 

 

Class R6 Shares:

   
Year ended February 28, 2018a     1,833,803     $ 20,642,358    
Shares sold    
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions     9,106       101,530    
Shares redeemed     (50,199     (559,526)   
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     1,792,710     $ 20,184,362    
 

 

 

 

Advisor Class Shares:

   

Year ended February 28, 2018

   

Shares sold

    3,204,232     $ 36,260,398    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    303,995       3,443,949    
Shares redeemed     (5,720,414     (64,655,273)   
 

 

 

 
Net increase (decrease)     (2,212,187   $     (24,950,926)   
 

 

 

 

Year ended February 28, 2017

   

Shares sold

    4,274,428     $ 49,644,523    

Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions

    278,161       3,255,153    

Shares redeemed

    (2,979,644     (34,441,233)   
 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease)

    1,572,945     $ 18,458,443    
 

 

 

 

 

aFor the period August 1, 2017 (effective date) to February 28, 2018.

3.  Transactions with Affiliates

Franklin Resources, Inc. is the holding company for various subsidiaries that together are referred to as Franklin Templeton Investments. Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and/or directors of the following subsidiaries:

 

Subsidiary

   Affiliation   

Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Advisers)

 

   Investment manager   

Franklin Templeton Services, LLC (FT Services)

 

   Administrative manager       

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. (Distributors)

 

   Principal underwriter   

Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC (Investor Services)

 

   Transfer agent   

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

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3. Transactions with Affiliates  (continued)

a. Management Fees

The Funds, except Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, pay an investment management fee to Advisers based on the month-end net assets of each of the Funds and Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund pays an investment management fee to Advisers based on the average daily net assets of the fund as follows:

 

Annualized Fee Rate

 

 

Net Assets

 

 

 

0.625%

 

 

 

Up to and including $100 million

 

 

0.500%

 

 

Over $100 million, up to and including $250 million     

 

 

 

0.450%

 

Over $250 million, up to and including $7.5 billion

 

 

0.440%

 

 

Over $7.5 billion, up to and including $10 billion

 

 

0.430%

 

 

Over $10 billion, up to and including $12.5 billion

 

 

0.420%

 

 

Over $12.5 billion, up to and including $15 billion

 

 

0.400%

 

 

Over $15 billion, up to and including $17.5 billion

 

 

0.380%

 

 

Over $17.5 billion, up to and including $20 billion

 

 

0.360%

 

 

In excess of $20 billion

 

 

For the year ended February 28, 2018, each Fund’s effective investment management fee rate based on daily average net assets was as follows:

 

Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
   Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
   Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund

0.454%

   0.474%    0.451%

 

    Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
   Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
             Income Fund
    
 

0.502%

   0.471%   

b.  Administrative Fees

Under an agreement with Advisers, FT Services provides administrative services to the Funds. The fee is paid by Advisers based on each of the Funds’ average daily net assets, and is not an additional expense of the Funds.

c. Distribution Fees

The Board has adopted distribution plans for each share class, with the exception of Class R6 and Advisor Class shares, pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. Under the Funds’ Class A and M reimbursement distribution plans, the Funds reimburse Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. Under the Class A and M reimbursement distribution plans, costs exceeding the maximum for the current plan year cannot be reimbursed in subsequent periods. In addition, under the Funds’ Class C compensation distribution plans, the Funds pay Distributors for costs incurred in connection with the servicing, sale and distribution of each Fund’s shares up to the maximum annual plan rate. The plan year, for purposes of monitoring compliance with the maximum annual plan rates, is February 1 through January 31 for each Fund.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The maximum annual plan rates, based on the average daily net assets, for each class, are as follows:

 

      Franklin  Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    

Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free

Income Fund

    

Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free

Income Fund

 

Reimbursement Plans:

        

Class A

     0.10%        0.15%        0.10%  

Class M

                   0.25%  

Compensation Plans:

        

Class C

     0.65%               0.65%  
              Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    

Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free

Income Fund

 

Reimbursement Plans:

        

Class A

        0.10%        0.10%  

Compensation Plans:

        

Class C

        0.65%        0.65%  

d.  Sales Charges/Underwriting Agreements

Front-end sales charges and contingent deferred sales charges (CDSC) do not represent expenses of the Funds. These charges are deducted from the proceeds of sales of fund shares prior to investment or from redemption proceeds prior to remittance, as applicable. Distributors has advised the Funds of the following commission transactions related to the sales and redemptions of the Funds’ shares for the year:

 

      Franklin  Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin  Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

     $197,429        $61,805        $868,966  

CDSC retained

     $  62,388        $50,524        $  75,349  
     

Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free

Income Fund

     Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
        

Sales charges retained net of commissions paid to unaffiliated brokers/dealers

     $31,758        $84,915     

CDSC retained

     $  3,767        $25,504     

e.  Transfer Agent Fees

Each class of shares pays transfer agent fees to Investor Services for its performance of shareholder servicing obligations. Effective November 1, 2017, the fees are based on an annualized asset based fee of 0.02% plus a transaction based fee. Prior to November 1, 2017, the fees were account based fees that varied based on fund or account type. In addition, each class reimburses Investor Services for out of pocket expenses incurred and, except for Class R6, reimburses shareholder servicing fees paid to third parties. These fees are allocated daily based upon their relative proportion of such classes’ aggregate net assets. Class R6 pays Investor Services transfer agent fees specific to that class.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3.  Transactions with Affiliates  (continued)

e.  Transfer Agent Fees  (continued)

For the year ended February 28, 2018, the Funds paid transfer agent fees as noted in the Statements of Operations of which the following amounts were retained by Investor Services:

 

     

Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free

Income Fund

     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

Transfer agent fees

     $816,722        $161,362        $1,329,375  
     

Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free

Income Fund

    

Franklin

New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund

        

Transfer agent fees

     $  81,925        $186,259     

f.  Waiver and Expense Reimbursements

Effective February 1, 2018, Advisers has contractually agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees and to assume as its own expense certain expenses otherwise payable by Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund and Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund so that the expenses (excluding distribution fees, and acquired fund fees and expenses) for each class of the Funds do not exceed 0.46% and 0.40%, respectively, based on the average net assets of each class (other than certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations) until June 30, 2019. Total expenses waived or paid are not subject to recapture subsequent to the Funds’ fiscal year end. Prior to February 1, 2018, the expenses (excluding distribution fees, and acquired fund fees and expenses) for each class of the Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund were limited to 0.48% based on the average net assets of each class (other than certain non-routine expenses or costs, including those relating to litigation, indemnification, reorganizations, and liquidations).

Investor Services has voluntarily agreed in advance to waive or limit its fees so that the Class R6 transfer agent fees do not exceed 0.03%. Investor Services may discontinue this waiver in the future.

g.  Interfund Transactions

Certain or all Funds engaged in purchases and sales of investments with funds or other accounts that have common investment managers (or affiliated investment managers), directors, trustees or officers. These purchases and sales for the year ended February 28, 2018, were as follows:

 

     

Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free

Income Fund

     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    

Franklin

High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund

 

Purchases

     $255,795,000        $70,080,000        $217,795,000  

Sales

     $211,860,000        $85,870,000        $321,709,492  
     

Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free

Income Fund

    

Franklin

New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund

        

Purchases

     $    1,300,000        $  7,000,000     

Sales

     $    1,400,000        $12,000,000     

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

4.  Expense Offset Arrangement

Effective December 1, 2017, the Funds have entered into an arrangement with their custodian whereby credits realized as a result of uninvested cash balances are used to reduce a portion of the Funds’ custodian expenses. During the period ended February 28, 2018, there were no credits earned.

5.  Income Taxes

For tax purposes, capital losses may be carried over to offset future capital gains. Capital loss carryforwards with no expiration, if any, must be fully utilized before those losses with expiration dates.

At February 28, 2018, the capital loss carryforwards were as follows:

 

     Franklin
Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 
Capital loss carryforwards subject to expiration:      

2019

    $  1,793,931       $             —       $    1,436,742   
Capital loss carryforwards not subject to expiration:      

Short term

    40,690,118       138       180,482,313   

Long term

    23,112,168       1,400,060       704,643,717   
 

 

 

 

Total capital loss carryforwards

    $65,596,217       $1,400,198       $886,562,772a  
 

 

 

 
     Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
       
     
Capital loss carryforwards not subject to expiration:      

Short term

    $  8,312,826       $11,282,819    

Long term

    10,053,954       79,915,600    
 

 

 

   

Total capital loss carryforwards

    $18,366,780       $91,198,419    
 

 

 

   

aIncludes $97,859,993 from the merged Franklin Double Tax-Free Income Fund, which may be carried over to offset future capital gains, subject to certain limitations.

During the year ended February 28, 2018, the Funds utilized capital loss carryforwards as follows:

 

Franklin
Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
       
  $13,628        $420,699    

On February 28, 2018, the following Funds had expired capital loss carryforwards, which were reclassified to paid-in capital.

 

Franklin
Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 
  $223,211        $567       $56,142,304  

 

 

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5. Income Taxes  (continued)

The tax character of distributions paid during the years ended February 28, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

 

     Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
     Franklin Federal Limited-Term
Tax-Free Income Fund
     Franklin High Yield
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
     

2018    

 

    

2017    

 

    

2018    

 

    

2017    

 

    

2018    

 

    

2017    

 

 

Distributions paid from tax exempt income

   $ 109,497,206      $ 110,434,755      $ 8,716,860      $ 9,204,150      $ 314,676,483      $ 351,960,983  
  

 

 

 

 

     Franklin Massachusetts
Tax-Free Income Fund
     Franklin New Jersey
Tax-Free Income Fund
 
      2018          2017          2018          2017      

Distributions paid from tax exempt income

   $ 14,225,444      $ 15,153,106      $ 36,668,160      $ 41,365,140  
  

 

 

 

At February 28, 2018, the cost of investments and net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for income tax purposes were as follows:

 

      Franklin Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
High Yield
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 
Cost of investments    $ 3,942,187,637     $ 989,260,576     $ 6,084,573,070  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 119,512,062     $ 1,429,244     $ 747,195,828  
Unrealized depreciation      (12,254,249     (5,335,226     (196,652,708
  

 

 

 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $ 107,257,813     $ (3,905,982   $ 550,543,120  
  

 

 

 

Undistributed tax exempt income

   $ 5,225,118     $ 2,300,479     $ 40,093,875  
Undistributed ordinary income            226,143       1,678,207  
  

 

 

 
Distributable earnings    $ 5,225,118     $ 2,526,622     $ 41,772,082  
  

 

 

 

 

      Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
    Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
 
Cost of investments    $ 465,985,657     $ 911,721,447  
  

 

 

 

Unrealized appreciation

   $ 17,567,318     $ 36,352,384  
Unrealized depreciation      (3,046,078     (16,617,234
  

 

 

 
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)    $ 14,521,240     $ 19,735,150  
  

 

 

 
Distributable earnings – undistributed tax exempt income    $ 568,557     $ 2,870,967  
  

 

 

 

Differences between income and/or capital gains as determined on a book basis and a tax basis are primarily due to differing treatments of defaulted securities and bond discounts.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. Certain provisions of the Act were effective upon enactment with the remainder becoming effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Management has reviewed the requirements and believes the adoption of these provisions of the Act will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

6.  Investment Transactions

Purchases and sales of investments (excluding short term securities) for the year ended February 28, 2018, were as follows:

 

      Franklin  Federal
Intermediate-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin Federal
Limited-Term
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin High
Yield Tax-Free
Income Fund
 

Purchases

     $443,735,761        $351,773,262        $   502,539,417  

Sales

     $555,826,673        $345,020,000        $1,572,723,119  
      Franklin
Massachusetts
Tax-Free
Income Fund
     Franklin
New Jersey
Tax-Free
Income Fund
        

Purchases

     $133,861,189        $127,593,710     

Sales

     $110,629,371        $207,884,142     

7.  Credit Risk and Defaulted Securities

At February 28, 2018, Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund had 18.6% of its portfolio invested in high yield securities, or other securities rated below investment grade and unrated securities, if any. These securities may be more sensitive to economic conditions causing greater price volatility and are potentially subject to a greater risk of loss due to default than higher rated securities.

Certain or all Funds held defaulted securities and/or other securities for which the income has been deemed uncollectible. At February 28, 2018, the aggregate value of these securities for Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund and Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund was $100,116,728 and $7,429,056, representing 1.5% and 0.8%, respectively, of each Fund’s net assets. The Funds discontinue accruing income on securities for which income has been deemed uncollectible and provide an estimate for losses on interest receivable. The securities have been identified in the accompanying Statements of Investments.

8.  Concentration of Risk

Certain or all Funds invest a large percentage of their total assets in obligations of issuers within their respective state and U.S. territories. Such concentration may subject the Funds to risks associated with industrial or regional matters, and economic, political or legal developments occurring within those states and U.S. territories. Investing in Puerto Rico securities may expose the Funds to heightened risks due to recent adverse economic and market changes, credit downgrades and ongoing restructuring discussions. In addition, investments in these securities are sensitive to interest rate changes and credit risk of the issuer and may subject the Funds to increased market volatility. The market for these investments may be limited, which may make them difficult to buy or sell.

 

 

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9.  Restricted Securities

Certain or all Funds invest in securities that are restricted under the Securities Act of 1933 (1933 Act). Restricted securities are often purchased in private placement transactions, and cannot be sold without prior registration unless the sale is pursuant to an exemption under the 1933 Act. Disposal of these securities may require greater effort and expense, and prompt sale at an acceptable price may be difficult. The Funds may have registration rights for restricted securities. The issuer generally incurs all registration costs.

At February 28, 2018, investments in restricted securities, excluding securities exempt from registration under the 1933 Act deemed to be liquid, were as follows:

 

Units    Issuer   

Acquisition
Date

 

     Cost      Value  

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

        

9,185,586

  

a 1155 Island Avenue LLC, LP (Value is 0.0% of Net Assets)

     12/04/14        $ 717,086      $ 717,082  
        

 

 

 

†Rounds to less than 0.1% of net assets.

aThe Fund also invests in unrestricted securities or other investments in the issuer, valued at $4,537,410 as of February 28, 2018.

10.  Credit Facility

The Funds, together with other U.S. registered and foreign investment funds (collectively, Borrowers), managed by Franklin Templeton Investments, are borrowers in a joint syndicated senior unsecured credit facility totaling $2 billion (Global Credit Facility) which matures on February 8, 2019. This Global Credit Facility provides a source of funds to the Borrowers for temporary and emergency purposes, including the ability to meet future unanticipated or unusually large redemption requests.

Under the terms of the Global Credit Facility, the Funds shall, in addition to interest charged on any borrowings made by the Funds and other costs incurred by the Funds, pay their share of fees and expenses incurred in connection with the implementation and maintenance of the Global Credit Facility, based upon their relative share of the aggregate net assets of all of the Borrowers, including an annual commitment fee of 0.15% based upon the unused portion of the Global Credit Facility. These fees are reflected in other expenses in the Statements of Operations. During the year ended February 28, 2018, the Funds did not use the Global Credit Facility.

11.  Fair Value Measurements

The Funds follow a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and the Funds’ own market assumptions (unobservable inputs). These inputs are used in determining the value of the Funds’ financial instruments and are summarized in the following fair value hierarchy:

 

    Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments

 

    Level 2 – other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar financial instruments, interest rates, prepayment speed, credit risk, etc.)

 

    Level 3 – significant unobservable inputs (including the Funds’ own assumptions in determining the fair value of financial instruments)

The input levels are not necessarily an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with financial instruments at that level.

For movements between the levels within the fair value hierarchy, the Funds have adopted a policy of recognizing the transfers as of the date of the underlying event which caused the movement.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

A summary of inputs used as of February 28, 2018, in valuing the Funds’ assets carried at fair value, is as follows:

 

      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Municipal Bonds

   $      $ 3,933,145,450      $      $ 3,933,145,450  

Short Term Investments

            116,300,000               116,300,000  

Total Investments in Securities

   $      $ 4,049,445,450      $      $ 4,049,445,450  

 

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Municipal Bonds

   $      $ 879,412,687      $      $ 879,412,687  

Short Term Investments

            105,941,907               105,941,907  

Total Investments in Securities

   $      $ 985,354,594      $      $ 985,354,594  

 

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Common Stocks and Other Equity Interests

   $      $      $ 717,082      $ 717,082  

Corporate Bonds

            4,537,410               4,537,410  

Municipal Bonds

            6,600,951,683        15        6,600,951,698  

Short Term Investments

            28,910,000               28,910,000  

Total Investments in Securities

   $      $   6,634,399,093      $   717,097      $   6,635,116,190  

 

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Municipal Bonds

   $      $ 479,906,897      $      $ 479,906,897  

Short Term Investments

            600,000               600,000  

Total Investments in Securities

   $      $ 480,506,897      $      $ 480,506,897  

 

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

           

Assets:

           

Investments in Securities:a

           

Municipal Bonds

   $                     —      $ 927,056,597      $                     —      $ 927,056,597  

Short Term Investments

            4,400,000               4,400,000  

Total Investments in Securities

   $      $ 931,456,597      $      $ 931,456,597  

aFor detailed categories, see the accompanying Statement of Investments.

A reconciliation of assets in which Level 3 inputs are used in determining fair value is presented when there are significant Level 3 financial instruments at the beginning and/or end of the year.

12.  New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2017-08, Receivables—
Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The amendments in the ASU shorten the amortization period for certain callable debt securities acquired at a premium, to be amortized to the earliest call date. The ASU does not require an accounting change for securities acquired at a discount, which continues to be amortized to maturity. The ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Management has reviewed the requirements and believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on the financial statements.

 

 

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NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

13.  Subsequent Events

The Funds have evaluated subsequent events through the issuance of the financial statements and determined that no events have occurred that require disclosure.

Abbreviations

Selected Portfolio

 

AGMC   

 

Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.

   IDBR    Industrial Development Board Revenue
AMBAC    American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.    IDR    Industrial Development Revenue
BAM    Build America Mutual Assurance Co.    ISD    Independent School District
BAN    Bond Anticipation Note    LIBOR    London InterBank Offered Rate
BHAC    Berkshire Hathaway Assurance Corp.    LOC    Letter of Credit
CDA    Community Development Authority/Agency    MAC    Municipal Assurance Corp.
CDD    Community Development District    MFHR    Multi-Family Housing Revenue
CFD    Community Facilities District    MFMR    Multi-Family Mortgage Revenue
COP    Certificate of Participation    MTA    Metropolitan Transit Authority
EDA    Economic Development Authority    MUNIPSA    SIFMA Municipal Swap Index
EDC    Economic Development Corp.    NATL    National Public Financial Guarantee Corp.
EDR    Economic Development Revenue    PBA    Public Building Authority
ETM    Escrow to Maturity    PCC    Pollution Control Corp.
FHA    Federal Housing Authority/Agency    PCFA    Pollution Control Financing Authority
FICO    Financing Corp.    PCR    Pollution Control Revenue
FRN    Floating Rate Note    PFA    Public Financing Authority
GARB    General Airport Revenue Bonds    PFAR    Public Financing Authority Revenue
GNMA    Government National Mortgage Association    PIK    Payment-In-Kind
GO    General Obligation    PSF    Permanent School Fund
HDA    Housing Development Authority/Agency    RDA    Redevelopment Agency/Authority
HDC    Housing Development Corp.    SF    Single Family
HFA    Housing Finance Authority/Agency    SPA    Standby Purchase Agreement
HFAR    Housing Finance Authority Revenue    TAN    Tax Anticipation Note
ID    Improvement District    TRAN    Tax and Revenue Anticipation Note
IDA    Industrial Development Authority/Agency    UHSD    Unified/Union High School District
IDAR    Industrial Development Authority Revenue    USD    Unified/Union School District
IDB    Industrial Development Bond/Board    XLCA    XL Capital Assurance

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Trustees of Franklin Tax-Free Trust and Shareholders of Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund, and Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

Opinions on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities, including the statements of investments, of Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund, and Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund (the “Funds”) as of February 28, 2018, the related statements of operations for the year ended February 28, 2018, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2018, including the related notes, and the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of each of the Funds as of February 28, 2018, the results of each of their operations for the year then ended, the changes in each of their net assets for each of the two years in the period ended February 28, 2018, and each of the financial highlights for each of the periods indicated therein, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinions

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Funds’ management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Funds’ financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Funds in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of February 28, 2018 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers; when replies were not received from brokers, we performed other auditing procedures. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Francisco, California

April 17, 2018

We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the Franklin Templeton Group of Funds since 1948.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

Tax Information (unaudited)

Under Section 852(b)(5)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, the Funds hereby report 100% of the distributions paid from net investment income as exempt-interest dividends for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018. A portion of the Funds’ exempt-interest dividends may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax. By mid-February 2019, shareholders will be notified of amounts for use in preparing their 2018 income tax returns.

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

Special Meeting of Shareholders

MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS: OCTOBER 30, 2017 AND RECONVENED ON DECEMBER 15, 2017 AND DECEMBER 29, 2017

(UNAUDITED)

A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Franklin Tax-Free Trust was held at the offices of Franklin Templeton Investments, One Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, California on October 30, 2017 and reconvened on December 15, 2017 and December 29, 2017. The purpose of the meeting was to elect Trustees of Franklin Tax-Free Trust and to vote on the following proposals: for each Fund, to approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval; for each Fund, to approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities; and for each of Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund and Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, to consider a shareholder proposal. At the meeting, (i) the following persons were elected by the shareholders to serve as Trustees of Franklin Tax-Free Trust: Harris J. Ashton, Terrence J. Checki, Mary C. Choksi, Edith E. Holiday, Gregory E. Johnson, Rupert H. Johnson, Jr., J. Michael Luttig, Larry D. Thompson, and John B. Wilson; (ii) the proposal to use a “manager of managers” structure was approved by shareholders of each Fund, except for Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund; (iii) the proposal to approve the amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities was approved by shareholders of each Fund; and (iv) sufficient votes were not received to pass the shareholder proposals for Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund and Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund. No other business was transacted at the meeting.

In connection with the meeting, management is aware that some shareholders received from the proxy solicitor numerous calls and mailings that may have been distracting. Management is taking steps to ensure that, in the future, for any new shareholder meeting solicitations that occur, such activity is not repeated. Management apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused as a result of such calls and mailings.

The results of the voting at the meeting are as follows:

Proposal 1. To elect a Board of Trustees:

 

Name    For      Withheld  

Harris J. Ashton.

     1,485,764,192        48,269,290  

Terrence J. Checki

     1,485,932,300        48,101,184  

Mary C. Choksi

     1,486,925,610        47,110,941  

Edith E. Holiday.

     1,487,685,965        46,349,353  

Gregory E. Johnson

     1,487,506,272        46,527,212  

Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.

     1,486,183,613        47,849,870  

J. Michael Luttig

     1,487,803,427        46,228,223  

Larry D. Thompson

     1,486,866,073        47,167,412  

John B. Wilson

     1,488,071,744        45,961,741  

Total Trust Shares Outstanding*: 2,524,132,627

     

*As of the record date.

 

 

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SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 2. To approve the use of a “manager of managers” structure whereby the Fund’s investment manager would be able to hire and replace subadvisers without shareholder approval:

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     174,555,376  

Against

     6,186,915  

Abstain

     4,085,857  

Broker Non-Votes

     56,243,497  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     241,071,639  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     361,063,110  

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     45,695,413  

Against

     1,814,469  

Abstain

     1,417,296  

Broker Non-Votes

     13,166,655  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     62,093,835  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     102,015,166  

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     288,791,333  

Against

     20,101,690  

Abstain

     16,435,160  

Broker Non-Votes

     94,212,997  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     419,541,192  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     721,264,232  

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     18,190,354  

Against

     970,903  

Abstain

     1,032,767  

Broker Non-Votes

     6,309,149  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     26,503,175  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     40,913,927  

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     36,159,797  

Against

     3,621,396  

Abstain

     2,411,248  

Broker Non-Votes

     12,025,886  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     54,218,331  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     91,399,205  

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 3. To approve an amended fundamental investment restriction regarding investments in commodities:

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     174,291,537  

Against

     5,023,615  

Abstain

     5,512,990  

Broker Non-Votes

     56,243,497  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     241,071,639  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     361,063,110  

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     45,655,570  

Against

     1,340,292  

Abstain

     1,931,318  

Broker Non-Votes

     13,166,655  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     62,093,835  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     102,015,166  

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     289,614,209  

Against

     18,140,655  

Abstain

     17,573,332  

Broker Non-Votes

     94,212,997  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     419,541,192  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     721,264,232  

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     17,856,890  

Against

     937,275  

Abstain

     1,399,861  

Broker Non-Votes

     6,309,149  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     26,503,175  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     40,913,927  

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

 

      Shares  

For

     36,632,698  

Against

     2,568,382  

Abstain

     2,991,365  

Broker Non-Votes

     12,025,886  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     54,218,331  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     91,399,205  

 

 

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SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

 

 

Proposal 4.

Shareholder proposal requesting that Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund’s Board institute procedures to prevent holding investments in companies that, in the judgement of the Board, substantially contribute to genocide or crimes against humanity:

 

      Shares  

For

     67,331,109  

Against

     235,901,407  

Abstain

     22,095,672  

Broker Non-Votes

     94,212,997  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     419,541,192  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     721,264,232  

 

Proposal 5.

Shareholder proposal requesting that Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund’s Board institute transparent procedures to prevent holding investments in companies that, in the judgement of management, substantially contribute to genocide or crimes against humanity:

 

      Shares  

For

     22,991,945  

Against

     154,428,889  

Abstain

     7,407,308  

Broker Non-Votes

     56,243,497  

Total Fund Shares Voted

     241,071,639  

Total Fund Shares Outstanding*

     361,063,110  

 

 

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FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

 

Board Members and Officers

The name, year of birth and address of the officers and board members, as well as their affiliations, positions held with the Trust, principal occupations during at least the past five years and number of US registered portfolios overseen in the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex, are shown below. Generally, each board member serves until that person’s successor is elected and qualified.

Independent Board Members

 

Name, Year of Birth

and Address

   Position      Length of
Time Served
     Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
    

Other Directorships Held

During at Least the Past 5 Years

Harris J. Ashton (1932)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 1984      139      Bar-S Foods (meat packing company) (1981-2010).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director of various companies; and formerly, Director, RBC Holdings, Inc. (bank holding company) (until 2002); and President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, General Host Corporation (nursery and craft centers) (until 1998).

 

Terrence J. Checki (1945)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since December 2017      113      Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (2014-present).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Member of the Council on Foreign Relations (1996-present); Member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (1999-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Economic Club of New York (2013-present); member of the Board of Trustees of the Foreign Policy Association (2005-present) and member of various other boards of trustees and advisory boards; and formerly, Executive Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and Head of its Emerging Markets and Internal Affairs Group and Member of Management Committee (1995-2014); and Visiting Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations (2014).

 

Mary C. Choksi (1950)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 2014      139      Avis Budget Group Inc. (car rental) (2007-present), Omnicom Group Inc. (advertising and marketing communications services) (2011-present) and White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2017-present).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director of various companies; and formerly, Founder and Senior Advisor, Strategic Investment Group (investment management group) (2015-2017); Founding Partner and Senior Managing Director, Strategic Investment Group (1987–2015); Founding Partner and Managing Director, Emerging Markets Management LLC (investment management firm) (1987-2011); and Loan Officer/Senior Loan Officer/Senior Pension Investment Officer, World Bank Group (international financial institution) (1977-1987).

 

Edith E. Holiday (1952)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 1998      139      Hess Corporation (exploration of oil and gas) (1993-present), Canadian National Railway (railroad) (2001-present), White Mountains Insurance Group, Ltd. (holding company) (2004-present), Santander Consumer USA Holdings, Inc. (consumer finance) (2016-present), RTI International Metals, Inc. (manufacture and distribution of titanium) (1999-2015) and H.J. Heinz Company (processed foods and allied products) (1994-2013).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director or Trustee of various companies and trusts; and formerly, Assistant to the President of the United States and Secretary of the Cabinet (1990-
1993); General Counsel to the United States Treasury Department (1989-1990); and Counselor to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for Public
Affairs and Public Liaison – United States Treasury Department (1988-1989).

 

J. Michael Luttig (1954)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 2009      139      Boeing Capital Corporation (aircraft financing) (2006-2013).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and member of the Executive Council, The Boeing Company (aerospace company) (2006-present); and formerly, Federal Appeals Court Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (1991-2006).

 

 

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Independent Board Members  (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
   Position      Length of
Time Served
     Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
     Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Larry D. Thompson

(1945) One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 2007      139      The Southern Company (energy company) (2014-present; previously 2010-2012), Graham Holdings Company (education and media organization) (2011-present) and Cbeyond, Inc. (business communications provider) (2010-2012).

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Director of various companies; Counsel, Finch McCranie, LLP (law firm) (2015-present); Independent Compliance Monitor and Auditor, Volkswagen AG (manufacturer of automobiles and commercial vehicles) (2017 – present); John A. Sibley Professor of Corporate and Business Law, University of Georgia School of Law (2015-present; previously 2011-2012); and formerly, Executive Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (consumer products) (2012-2014); Senior Vice President – Government Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary, PepsiCo, Inc. (2004-2011); Senior Fellow of The Brookings Institution (2003-2004); Visiting Professor, University of Georgia School of Law (2004); and Deputy Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice (2001-2003).

 

John B. Wilson (1959)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Lead
Independent
Trustee
     Trustee since 2007 and Lead Independent Trustee since 2008      113      None
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:              

President and Founder, Hyannis Port Capital, Inc. (real estate and private equity investing) (2002-present); Senior Advisor, McKinsey & Co. (consulting) (2017-present); serves on private and non-profit boards; and formerly, President, Staples International and Head of Global Transformation (office supplies) (2012-2016); Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Gap, Inc. (retail) (1996-2000); Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President – Finance and Strategy, Staples, Inc. (1992-1996); Senior Vice President – Corporate Planning, Northwest Airlines, Inc. (airlines) (1990-1992); and Vice President and Partner, Bain & Company (consulting firm) (1986-1990).

 

Interested Board Members and Officers

Name, Year of Birth

and Address

 

  

Position

 

    

Length of
Time Served

 

    

Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*

 

    

Other Directorships Held During

at Least the Past 5 Years

 

 

**Gregory E. Johnson (1961)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Trustee      Since 2007      153      None

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Chairman of the Board, Member – Office of the Chairman, Director and Chief Executive Officer, Franklin Resources, Inc.; officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 43 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice Chairman, Investment Company Institute; and formerly, President, Franklin Resources, Inc. (1994-2015).

 

**Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. (1940)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Chairman of
the Board
and Trustee
     Since 2013      139      None

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Vice Chairman, Member – Office of the Chairman and Director, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Director, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisory Services, LLC; and officer and/or director or trustee, as the case may be, of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 41 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

Sheila Amoroso (1959)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

   Vice
President
     Since 1999      Not Applicable      Not Applicable

 

Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:

Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of seven of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers  (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
  Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Alison E. Baur (1964)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2012    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Deputy General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Rafael R. Costas, Jr. (1965)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 1999    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of seven of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Gaston Gardey (1967)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Treasurer    Since 2009    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Treasurer, U.S. Fund Administration & Reporting, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 28 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Aliya S. Gordon (1973)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2009    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Steven J. Gray (1955)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2009    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and FASA, LLC; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Matthew T. Hinkle (1971)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration    Since June 2017    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President, Franklin Templeton Services, LLC; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Vice President, Global Tax (2012-April 2017) and Treasurer/Assistant Treasurer, Franklin Templeton Investments (2009-2017).

Robert Lim (1948)

One Franklin Parkway
San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President - AML Compliance    Since 2016    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; Chief Compliance Officer, Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc. and Franklin Templeton Investor Services, LLC; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers  (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
  Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Christopher J. Molumphy (1962)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  President and Chief Executive Officer – Investment Management    Since 2010    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Director and Executive Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; Executive Vice President, Franklin Templeton Institutional, LLC; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 21 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Kimberly H. Novotny (1972)

300 S.E. 2nd Street

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923

  Vice President    Since 2013    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President and Corporate Secretary, Fiduciary Trust International of the South; Vice President, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Robert C. Rosselot (1960)

300 S.E. 2nd Street

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923

  Chief Compliance Officer    Since 2013    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Director, Global Compliance, Franklin Templeton Investments; Vice President, Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC; officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments; and formerly, Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments (2007-2013); and Secretary and Vice President, Templeton Group of Funds (2004-2013).

Karen L. Skidmore (1952)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President and Secretary    Since 2006    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Navid J. Tofigh (1972)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2015    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Craig S. Tyle (1960)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 2005    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Franklin Resources, Inc.; and officer of some of the other subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc. and of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

Thomas Walsh (1961)

One Franklin Parkway

San Mateo, CA 94403-1906

  Vice President    Since 1999    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Vice President, Franklin Advisers, Inc.; and officer of seven of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

 

 

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Interested Board Members and Officers (continued)

 

Name, Year of Birth
and Address
  Position    Length of
Time Served
   Number of Portfolios in
Fund Complex Overseen
by Board Member*
   Other Directorships Held
During at Least the Past 5 Years

Lori A. Weber (1964)

300 S.E. 2nd Street

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301-1923

  Vice President    Since 2011    Not Applicable    Not Applicable
Principal Occupation During at Least the Past 5 Years:
Senior Associate General Counsel, Franklin Templeton Investments; Assistant Secretary, Franklin Resources, Inc.; Vice President and Secretary, Templeton Investment Counsel, LLC; and officer of 45 of the investment companies in Franklin Templeton Investments.

*We base the number of portfolios on each separate series of the US registered investment companies within the Franklin Templeton Investments fund complex. These portfolios have a common investment manager or affiliated investment managers.

**Gregory E. Johnson is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as an officer and director of Franklin Resources, Inc. (Resources), which is the parent company of the Fund’s investment manager and distributor. Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is considered to be an interested person of the Fund under the federal securities laws due to his position as officer and director and major shareholder of Resources.

Note 1: Rupert H. Johnson, Jr. is the uncle of Gregory E. Johnson.

Note 2: Officer information is current as of the date of this report. It is possible that after this date, information about officers may change.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission require the Fund to disclose whether the Fund’s Audit Committee includes at least one member who is an audit committee financial expert within the meaning of such Act and Rules. The Fund’s Board has determined that there is at least one such financial expert on the Audit Committee and has designated John B. Wilson as its audit committee financial expert. The Board believes that Mr. Wilson qualifies as such an expert in view of his extensive business background and experience, including service as chief financial officer of Staples, Inc. from 1992 to 1996. Mr. Wilson has been a Member and Chairman of the Fund’s Audit Committee since 2007. As a result of such background and experience, the Board believes that Mr. Wilson has acquired an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting estimates, accruals and reserves, and analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues generally comparable to those of the Fund, as well as an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and an understanding of audit committee functions. Mr. Wilson is an independent Board member as that term is defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

The Statement of Additional Information (SAI) includes additional information about the board members and is available, without charge, upon request. Shareholders may call (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236 to request the SAI.

 

 

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Shareholder Information

Board Approval of Investment Management Agreements

FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund

(each a Fund)

At an in-person meeting held on February 27, 2018 (Meeting), the Board of Trustees (Board) of Franklin Tax-Free Trust (Trust), including a majority of the trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940 (Independent Trustees), reviewed and approved the continuance of the investment management agreement between Franklin Advisers, Inc. (Manager) and the Trust, on behalf of each Fund (each a Management Agreement) for an additional one-year period. The Independent Trustees received advice from and met separately with Independent Trustee counsel in considering whether to approve the continuation of each Management Agreement. Although the Management Agreements for the Funds were considered at the same Board meeting, the Board considered the information provided to it about the Funds together and with respect to each Fund separately as the Board deemed appropriate.

In considering the continuation of each Management Agreement, the Board reviewed and considered information provided by the Manager at the Meeting and throughout the year at meetings of the Board and its committees. The Board also reviewed and considered information provided in response to a detailed set of requests for information submitted to the Manager by Independent Trustee counsel on behalf of the Independent Trustees in connection with the annual contract renewal process. In addition, prior to the Meeting, the Independent Trustees held a telephonic contract renewal meeting at which the Independent Trustees conferred amongst themselves and Independent Trustee counsel about contract renewal matters. The Board reviewed and considered all of the factors it deemed relevant in approving the continuance of each Management Agreement, including, but not limited to: (i) the nature, extent and quality of the services provided by the Manager; (ii) the investment performance of each Fund; (iii) the costs of the services provided and profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from the relationship with each Fund; (iv) the extent to which economies of scale are realized as each

Fund grows; and (v) whether fee levels reflect these economies of scale for the benefit of Fund investors.

In approving the continuance of each Management Agreement, the Board, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, determined that the terms of the Management Agreement are fair and reasonable and that the continuance of such Management Agreement is in the interests of the applicable Fund and its shareholders. While attention was given to all information furnished, the following discusses some primary factors relevant to the Board’s determination.

Nature, Extent and Quality of Services

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the nature, extent and quality of investment management services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Funds and their shareholders. This information included, among other things, the qualifications, background and experience of the senior management and investment personnel of the Manager; the structure of investment personnel compensation; oversight of third-party service providers; investment performance reports and related financial information for each Fund; reports on expenses, shareholder services, marketing support payments made to financial intermediaries and third party servicing arrangements; legal and compliance matters; risk controls; pricing and other services provided by the Manager and its affiliates; and management fees charged by the Manager and its affiliates to U.S. funds and other accounts, including management’s explanation of differences among accounts where relevant. The Board also reviewed and considered an annual report on payments made by Franklin Templeton Investments (FTI) or the Funds to financial intermediaries, as well as a memorandum relating to third-party servicing arrangements in response to a guidance update in 2016 from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) relating to mutual fund distribution and sub-accounting fees. The Board noted management’s continuing efforts and expenditures in establishing effective business continuity plans and developing strategies to address areas of heightened concern in the mutual fund industry, such as cybersecurity and liquidity risk management. The Board also recognized management’s commitment to facilitating Board oversight of particular areas, including derivatives and payments to intermediaries, by enhanced reporting.

The Board also reviewed and considered the benefits provided to Fund shareholders of investing in a fund that is part of the Franklin Templeton family of funds. The Board noted the financial position of Franklin Resources, Inc. (FRI), the

 

 

 

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Manager’s parent, and its commitment to the mutual fund business as evidenced by its continued introduction of new funds, reassessment of the fund offerings in response to the market environment and project initiatives and capital investments relating to the services provided to the Funds by the FTI organization.

Following consideration of such information, the Board was satisfied with the nature, extent and quality of services provided by the Manager and its affiliates to the Funds and their shareholders.

Fund Performance

The Board reviewed and considered the performance results of each Fund over various time periods ended December 31, 2017. The Board considered the performance returns for each Fund in comparison to the performance returns of mutual funds deemed comparable to the Fund included in a universe (Performance Universe) selected by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (Broadridge), an independent provider of investment company data. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in a Performance Universe. The Board also reviewed and considered Fund performance reports provided and discussions that occurred with portfolio managers at Board meetings throughout the year. A summary of each Fund’s performance results is below.

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional intermediate municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three- and five-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the 10-year period was above the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional short municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one- and three-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three- and five-year periods was below the median of its Performance

Universe, but for the 10-year period was above the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory. In doing so, the Board noted that the Fund had positive annualized income return and annualized total return for each of the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods and took into account management’s explanation that the holdings in the Fund tend to be shorter term and more conservative than peers.

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional high yield municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three- and five-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe, but for the 10-year period was equal to the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional Massachusetts municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return and annualized total return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods were above the medians of its Performance Universe. The Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund - The Performance Universe for this Fund included the Fund and all retail and institutional New Jersey municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Fund’s annualized income return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was above the median of its Performance Universe. The Board also noted that the Fund’s annualized total return for the one-, three-, five- and 10-year periods was below the median of its Performance Universe. Given the Fund’s income-oriented investment objective, the Board concluded that the Fund’s performance was satisfactory.

Comparative Fees and Expenses

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding each Fund’s actual total expense ratio and its various components, including, as applicable, management fees; transfer agent expenses; underlying fund expenses; Rule 12b-1 and non-Rule 12b-1 service fees; and other non-management fees. The Board also noted the quarterly and annual reports it

 

 

 

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receives on all marketing support payments made by FTI to financial intermediaries. The Board considered the actual total expense ratio and, separately, the contractual management fee rate, without the effect of fee waivers, if any (Management Rate) of each Fund in comparison to the median expense ratio and median Management Rate, respectively, of other mutual funds deemed comparable to and with a similar expense structure as the Fund selected by Broadridge (Expense Group). Broadridge fee and expense data is based upon information taken from each fund’s most recent annual report, which reflects historical asset levels that may be quite different from those currently existing, particularly in a period of market volatility. While recognizing such inherent limitation and the fact that expense ratios and Management Rates generally increase as assets decline and decrease as assets grow, the Board believed the independent analysis conducted by Broadridge to be an appropriate measure of comparative fees and expenses. The Broadridge Management Rate includes administrative charges, and the actual total expense ratio, for comparative consistency, was shown for Class A shares for funds with multiple classes of shares. The Board received a description of the methodology used by Broadridge to select the mutual funds included in an Expense Group.

Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund, and Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund - The Expense Group for the Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund included the Fund and twelve other intermediate municipal debt funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund included the Fund and ten other short municipal debt funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin Massachusetts Tax-Free Income Fund included the Fund and eight other Massachusetts municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Management Rates for the Funds were above the medians of their respective Expense Groups, but their actual total expense ratios were below the medians and in the first quintiles (least expensive) of their respective Expense Groups. The Board concluded that the Management Rates charged to these Funds are reasonable. In doing so, the Board noted that the Franklin Federal Limited-Term Tax-Free Income Fund’s actual total expense ratio reflected a fee waiver from management. The Board also noted that management agreed to cap the Franklin Federal Intermediate-Term Tax-Free Income Fund’s operating expenses effective February 1, 2018.

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund and Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund - The Expense Group for the

Franklin High Yield Tax-Free Income Fund included the Fund and nine other high yield municipal debt funds. The Expense Group for the Franklin New Jersey Tax-Free Income Fund included the Fund and eight other New Jersey municipal debt funds. The Board noted that the Management Rates and actual total expense ratios for the Funds were below the medians of their respective Expense Groups. The Board concluded that the Management Rates charged to these Funds are reasonable.

Profitability

The Board reviewed and considered information regarding the profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates in connection with the operation of each Fund. In this respect, the Board considered the Fund profitability analysis provided by the Manager that addresses the overall profitability of FTI’s U.S. fund business, as well as its profits in providing investment management and other services to each of the individual funds during the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, being the most recent fiscal year-end for FRI. The Board noted that although management continually makes refinements to its methodologies used in calculating profitability in response to organizational and product-related changes, the overall methodology has remained consistent with that used in the Funds’ profitability report presentations from prior years. Additionally, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, auditor to Franklin Resources, Inc. and certain Franklin Templeton funds, has been engaged by the Manager to periodically review and assess the allocation methodologies to be used solely by the Funds’ Board with respect to the profitability analysis.

The Board noted management’s belief that costs incurred in establishing the infrastructure necessary for the type of mutual fund operations conducted by the Manager and its affiliates may not be fully reflected in the expenses allocated to each Fund in determining its profitability, as well as the fact that the level of profits, to a certain extent, reflected operational cost savings and efficiencies initiated by management. The Board also noted management’s expenditures in improving shareholder services provided to the Funds, as well as the need to implement systems and meet additional regulatory and compliance requirements resulting from recent SEC and other regulatory requirements.

The Board also considered the extent to which the Manager and its affiliates might derive ancillary benefits from fund operations, including revenues generated from transfer agent services, potential benefits resulting from personnel and systems enhancements necessitated by fund growth, as well as increased leverage with service providers and counterparties.

 

 

 

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Based upon its consideration of all these factors, the Board concluded that the level of profits realized by the Manager and its affiliates from providing services to each Fund was not excessive in view of the nature, extent and quality of services provided to each Fund.

Economies of Scale

The Board reviewed and considered the extent to which the Manager may realize economies of scale, if any, as each Fund grows larger and whether the Fund’s management fee structure reflects any economies of scale for the benefit of shareholders. With respect to possible economies of scale, the Board noted the existence of management fee breakpoints, which operate generally to share any economies of scale with a Fund’s shareholders by reducing the Fund’s effective management fees as the Fund grows in size. The Board considered the Manager’s view that any analyses of potential economies of scale in managing a particular fund are inherently limited in light of the joint and common costs and investments the Manager incurs across the Franklin Templeton family of funds as a whole. The Board concluded that to the extent economies of scale may be realized by the Manager and its affiliates, each Fund’s management fee structure provided a sharing of benefits with the Fund and its shareholders as the Fund grows.

Conclusion

Based on its review, consideration and evaluation of all factors it believed relevant, including the above-described factors and conclusions, the Board unanimously approved the continuation of each Management Agreement for an additional one-year period.

Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures

The Trust’s investment manager has established Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures (Policies) that the Trust uses to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities. Shareholders may view the Trust’s complete Policies online at franklintempleton.com. Alternatively, shareholders may request copies of the Policies free of charge by calling the Proxy Group collect at (954) 527-7678 or by sending a written request to: Franklin Templeton Companies, LLC, 300 S.E. 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, Attention: Proxy Group. Copies of the Trust’s proxy voting records are also made available online at franklintempleton.com and posted on the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at sec.gov and reflect the most recent 12-month period ended June 30.

Quarterly Statement of Investments

The Trust files a complete statement of investments with the US Securities and Exchange Commission for the first and third quarters for each fiscal year on Form N-Q. Shareholders may view the filed Form N-Q by visiting the Commission’s website at sec.gov. The filed form may also be viewed and copied at the Commission’s Public Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information regarding the operations of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

Householding of Reports and Prospectuses

You will receive each Fund’s financial reports every six months as well as an annual updated summary prospectus (prospectus available upon request). To reduce Fund expenses, we try to identify related shareholders in a household and send only one copy of the financial reports and summary prospectus. This process, called “householding,” will continue indefinitely unless you instruct us otherwise. If you prefer not to have these documents householded, please call us at (800) 632-2301. At any time you may view current prospectuses/summary prospectuses and financial reports on our website. If you choose, you may receive these documents through electronic delivery.

 

 

 

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LOGO  

Annual Report and Shareholder Letter

Franklin Tax-Free Trust

 

Investment Manager

Franklin Advisers, Inc.

 

Distributor

Franklin Templeton Distributors, Inc.

(800) DIAL BEN® / 342-5236

franklintempleton.com

 

Shareholder Services

(800) 632-2301

 

 

Authorized for distribution only when accompanied or preceded by a summary prospectus and/or prospectus. Investors should carefully consider a fund’s investment goals, risks, charges and expenses before investing. A prospectus contains this and other information; please read it carefully before investing.

To help ensure we provide you with quality service, all calls to and from our service areas are monitored and/or recorded.

 

© 2018 Franklin Templeton Investments. All rights reserved.    TF1 A 04/18


Item 2. Code of Ethics.

(a) The Registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

(c) N/A

(d) N/A

(f) Pursuant to Item 12(a)(1), the Registrant is attaching as an exhibit a copy of its code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officers and principal financial and accounting officer.

 

Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.

(a)(1) The Registrant has an audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee.

(2) The audit committee financial expert is John B. Wilson, and he is “independent” as defined under the relevant Securities and Exchange Commission Rules and Releases.

 

Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

(a) Audit Fees

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the registrant’s annual financial statements or for services that are normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements were $805,084 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018 and $818,858 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017.

(b) Audit-Related Fees

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of the registrant’s financial statements and are not reported under paragraph (a) of Item 4.

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for assurance and related services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of their financial statements.    

(c) Tax Fees

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

 

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There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for professional services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant for tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning.

(d) All Other Fees

There were no fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant not reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4.

The aggregate fees paid to the principal accountant for products and services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant other than services reported in paragraphs (a)-(c) of Item 4 were $14,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018 and $255,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017. The services for which these fees were paid included review of materials provided to the fund Board in connection with the investment management contract renewal process and derivatives assessments and benchmarking services in connection with the 2015 ICI TA Survey.

(e) (1) The registrant’s audit committee is directly responsible for approving the services to be provided by the auditors, including:

(i) pre-approval of all audit and audit related services;

(ii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the Fund by the auditors;

(iii) pre-approval of all non-audit related services to be provided to the registrant by the auditors to the registrant’s investment adviser or to any entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the registrant’s investment adviser and that provides ongoing services to the registrant where the non-audit services relate directly to the operations or financial reporting of the registrant; and

(iv) establishment by the audit committee, if deemed necessary or appropriate, as an alternative to committee pre-approval of services to be provided by the auditors, as required by paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above, of policies and procedures to permit such services to be pre-approved by other means, such as through establishment of guidelines or by action of a designated member or members of the committee; provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service and the committee is informed of each service and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of audit committee responsibilities, as contemplated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to management; subject, in the case of (ii) through (iv), to any waivers, exceptions or exemptions that may be available under applicable law or rules.

(e) (2) None of the services provided to the registrant described in paragraphs (b)-(d) of Item 4 were approved by the audit committee pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(i)(C) of Rule 2-01 of regulation S-X.

 

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(f) No disclosures are required by this Item 4(f).

(g) The aggregate non-audit fees paid to the principal accountant for services rendered by the principal accountant to the registrant and the registrant’s investment adviser and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant were $14,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2018 and $255,000 for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2017.

(h) The registrant’s audit committee of the board has considered whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant’s investment adviser (not including any sub-adviser whose role is primarily portfolio management and is subcontracted with or overseen by another investment adviser), and any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with the investment adviser that provides ongoing services to the registrant that were not pre-approved pursuant to paragraph (c)(7)(ii) of Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X is compatible with maintaining the principal accountant’s independence.

 

Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants. N/A

 

Item 6. Schedule of Investments. N/A

 

Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

 

Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment Companies. N/A

 

Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers. N/A

 

Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

There have been no changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Registrant’s Board of Trustees that would require disclosure herein.

 

Item 11. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Registrant maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Registrant’s filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such information is accumulated and communicated to the Registrant’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to

 

5


allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Registrant’s management, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, recognizes that any set of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives.

Within 90 days prior to the filing date of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR, the Registrant had carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Registrant’s management, including the Registrant’s principal executive officer and the Registrant’s principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such evaluation, the Registrant’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

(b) Changes in Internal Controls. There have been no changes in the Registrant’s internal controls or in other factors that could materially affect the internal controls over financial reporting subsequent to the date of their evaluation in connection with the preparation of this Shareholder Report on Form N-CSR.

 

Item 12. Exhibits.

(a)(1) Code of Ethics

(a)(2) Certifications pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle, Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

(b) Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Matthew T. Hinkle , Chief Executive Officer - Finance and Administration, and Gaston Gardey, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

FRANKLIN TAX-FREE TRUST
By  

/s/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration
Date   April 26, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

By  

/s/ MATTHEW T. HINKLE

  Matthew T. Hinkle
  Chief Executive Officer – Finance and Administration
Date   April 26, 2018
By  

/s/ GASTON GARDEY

  Gaston Gardey
  Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
Date   April 26, 2018

 

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