Supplement to the John Hancock Tax-Free Income Funds
                        Prospectus dated January 1, 2003




Under "SALES CHARGE  REDUCTIONS AND WAIVERS",  the following  waiver for Class A
shares as been added under "waivers for certain investors":


o    For  clients of selling  brokers  who have a signed  agreement  with John
     Hancock Funds,  investments of proceeds from a non-John Hancock mutual fund
     redeemed within the past 120 days on which a sales charge or CDSC was paid.
     This waiver  applies  only to  investments  made on or before  February 27,
     2004.  To  determine  if your  broker/dealer  is  participating,  refer  to
     jhfunds.com or call  1-800-225-5291  and indicate on your  application that
     you qualify.






November 14, 2003