Organization and summary of significant accounting policies	12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and summary of significant accounting policies	NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Organization WNC California Housing Tax Credits III, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a California limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of California on October 5, 1992. The Partnership was formed to acquire limited partnership interests in other limited partnerships ("Local Limited Partnerships") which own multi-family or senior housing complexes (“Housing Complexes”) that are eligible for Federal low income housing tax credits (“Low Income Housing Tax Credits”). The local general partners (the “Local General Partners”) of each Local Limited Partnership retain responsibility for maintaining, operating and managing the Housing Complex. Each Local Limited Partnership is governed by its agreement of limited partnership or operating agreement (the “Local Limited Partnership Agreement”). The general partner of the Partnership is WNC Tax Credit Partners III, L.P. (the “General Partner”). WNC & Associates, Inc. (“Associates”) is the general partner of WNC Tax Credit Partners III, L.P. The chairman and president of Associates owns all of the outstanding stock of Associates. The business of the Partnership is conducted primarily through Associates, as the Partnership has no employees of its own. The Partnership shall continue to be in full force and effect until December 31, 2050 unless terminated prior to that date pursuant to the partnership agreement or law. The financial statements include only activity relating to the business of the Partnership, and do not give effect to any assets that the partners may have outside of their interests in the Partnership, or to any obligations, including income taxes, of the partners. Pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on February 17, 1993, the Partnership commenced a public offering of 30,000 units of limited partnership interest ("Partnership Units") at a price of $1,000 per Partnership Unit. As of the close of the public offering on July 22, 1994, a total of 17,990 Partnership Units representing $17,990,000 had been sold. During 1995, an additional 10 Partnership Units amounting to $10,000 was collected on subscriptions accepted and previously deemed uncollectible. The General Partner has a 1% interest in operating profits and losses, taxable income and losses, in cash available for distribution from the Partnership and Low Income Housing Tax Credits of the Partnership. The investors in the Partnership (“Limited Partners”) will be allocated the remaining 99% of these items in proportion to their respective investments. The proceeds from the disposition of any of the Local Limited Partnership properties will be used first to pay debts and other obligations per the respective Local Limited Partnership Agreement. Any remaining proceeds will then be paid to the Partnership. The sale of a Housing Complex may be subject to other restrictions and obligations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Local Limited Partnership will be able to sell its Housing Complex. Even if it does so, there can be no assurance that any significant amounts of cash will be distributed to the Partnership. Should such distributions occur, the Limited Partners will be entitled to receive distributions equal to their capital contributions and their return on investment (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) and the General Partner would then be entitled to receive proceeds equal to their capital contributions from the remainder. Any additional sale or refinancing proceeds will be distributed 90% to the Limited Partners (in proportion to their respective investments) and 10% to the General Partner. Risks and Uncertainties An investment in the Partnership and the Partnership’s investments in Local Limited Partnerships and their Housing Complexes are subject to risks. These risks may impact the tax benefits of an investment in the Partnership, and the amount of proceeds available for distribution to the Limited Partners, if any, on liquidation of the Partnership’s investments. Some of those risks include the following: The Low Income Housing Tax Credit rules are extremely complicated. Noncompliance with these rules results in the loss of future Low Income Housing Tax Credits and the fractional recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits already taken. In most cases the annual amount of Low Income Housing Tax Credits that an individual can use is limited to the tax liability due on the person’s last $25,000 of taxable income. The Local Limited Partnerships may be unable to sell the Housing Complexes at a price which would result in the Partnership realizing cash distributions or proceeds from the transaction. Accordingly, the Partnership may be unable to distribute any cash to its Limited Partners. Low Income Housing Tax Credits may be the only benefit from an investment in the Partnership. The Partnership has invested in a limited number of Local Limited Partnerships. Such limited diversity means that the results of operation of each single Housing Complex will have a greater impact on the Partnership. With limited diversity, poor performance of one Housing Complex could impair the Partnership’s ability to satisfy its investment objectives. Each Housing Complex is subject to mortgage indebtedness. If a Local Limited Partnership failed to pay its mortgage, it could lose its Housing Complex in foreclosure. If foreclosure were to occur during the first 15 years, the loss of any remaining future Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a fractional recapture of prior Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and a loss of the Partnership’s investment in the Housing Complex would occur. The Partnership is a limited partner or non-managing member of each Local Limited Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership will have very limited rights with respect to management of the Local Limited Partnerships. The Partnership will rely totally on the Local General Partners. Neither the Partnership’s investments in Local Limited Partnerships, nor the Local Limited Partnerships’ investments in Housing Complexes, are readily marketable. To the extent the Housing Complexes receive government financing or operating subsidies, they may be subject to one or more of the following risks: difficulties in obtaining tenants for the Housing Complexes; difficulties in obtaining rent increases; limitations on cash distributions; limitations on sales or refinancing of Housing Complexes; limitations on transfers of interests in Local Limited Partnerships; limitations on removal of Local General Partners; limitations on subsidy programs; and possible changes in applicable regulations. Uninsured casualties could result in loss of property and Low Income Housing Tax Credits and recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits previously taken. The value of real estate is subject to risks from fluctuating economic conditions, including employment rates, inflation, tax, environmental, land use and zoning policies, supply and demand of similar properties, and neighborhood conditions, among others. The ability of Limited Partners to claim tax losses from the Partnership is limited. The IRS may audit the Partnership or a Local Limited Partnership and challenge the tax treatment of tax items. The amount of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and tax losses allocable to the Limited Partners could be reduced if the IRS were successful in such a challenge. The alternative minimum tax could reduce tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership. Changes in tax laws could also impact the tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership and/or the value of the Housing Complexes. All of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits anticipated to be realized from the Local Limited Partnerships have been realized. The Partnership does not anticipate being allocated any Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Local Limited Partnerships in the future. Anticipated future and existing cash resources of the Partnership are not sufficient to pay existing liabilities of the Partnership. However, substantially all of the existing liabilities of the Partnership are payable to the General Partner and/or their affiliates. Though the amounts payable to the General Partner and/or its affiliates are contractually currently payable, the Partnership anticipates that the General Partner and/or its affiliates will not require the payment of these contractual obligations until capital reserves are in excess of the aggregate of then existing contractual obligations and then anticipated future foreseeable obligations of the Partnership. The Partnership would be adversely affected should the General Partner and/or its affiliates demand current payment of the existing contractual obligations and or suspend services for this or any other reason. The Partnership currently has insufficient working capital to fund its operations. Associates has agreed to continue providing advances sufficient enough to fund the operations and working capital requirements of the Partnership through June 30, 2013. No trading market for the Partnership Units exists or is expected to develop. Limited Partners may be unable to sell their Partnership Units except at a discount and should consider their Partnership Units to be a long-term investment. Individual Limited Partners will have no recourse if they disagree with actions authorized by a vote of the majority of Limited Partners. Exit Strategy The Compliance Period for a Housing Complex is generally 15 years following construction or rehabilitation completion. Associates was one of the first in the industry to offer syndicated investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The initial programs have completed their Compliance Periods. Upon the sale of a Local Limited Partnership Interest or Housing Complex after the end of the Compliance Period, there would be no recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits. A sale prior to the end of the Compliance Period must satisfy the “reasonable belief” test outlined above to avoid recapture. The date of termination of the ten-year credit period and the Compliance Period for each of the Partnership’s remaining Housing Complexes is set forth in Item 1 hereof. With that in mind, the General Partner is continuing its review of the Housing Complexes. The review considers many factors, including extended use requirements (such as those due to mortgage restrictions or state compliance agreements), the condition of the Housing Complexes, and the tax consequences to the Limited Partners from the sale of the Housing Complexes. Upon identifying those Housing Complexes with the highest potential for a successful sale, refinancing or re-syndication, the Partnership expects to proceed with efforts to liquidate them. The objective is to wind down the Partnership as Low Income Housing Tax Credits are no longer available. Local Limited Partnership Interests may be disposed of any time by the General Partner in its discretion. While liquidation of the Housing Complexes continues to be evaluated, the dissolution of the Partnership was not imminent as of March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2011, the Partnership sold its Local Limited Partnership Interest in Candleridge Perry L.P. II, Nueva Sierra Vista Associates, Rosewood Apartments L.P., Venus Retirement Village, Ltd, Winters Investment Group, Parlier Garden Apartments, L.P. and Tahoe Pines Apartment, L.P. During the year ended March 31, 2012 the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Walnut – Pixley, L.P. (Walnut-Pixley) was sold. A related entity of the Local General Partner of Walnut-Pixley purchased the Partnership’s Local Limited Partnership Interest for $265,164. The Limited Partnership Agreement has an Option to Purchase Clause and the Local General Partner chose to exercise that option. The property was appraised for $1,800,000, had outstanding mortgage debt as of December 31, 2010 of $1,423,143 and $195,376 was due to the Local General Partner. There were replacement reserves of $83,683 which remained with the seller, which resulted in sales proceeds of $265,164. The Partnership incurred legal expenses of $1,080 resulting in a gain of $264,084 recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The Partnership paid $255,164 of accrued asset management fees and the remaining $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The Local Limited Partnership Interest in Orosi Apartments, Ltd. (Orosi) was also sold during the year ended March 31, 2012. Consistent with the investment objectives of the Partnership, the Housing Complex qualified for Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits under the Internal Revenue Code for a 10-year period. The credit period has expired, and no further credits are being generated by the Housing Complex. The Compliance Period has also expired; therefore, there will be no credit recapture upon the transfer of the Local Limited Partnership. On March 11, 2011, the Partnership filed preliminary solicitation material to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the written consent of the Limited Partners for the commencement of disposition. The preliminary material was then amended on March 18, 2011. Definitive materials were filed on March 24, 2011. The disposition was approved with the majority of the votes. The total sales price including replacement reserves was $1,912,306, which was disbursed as follows: the General Partner of Orosi was paid $71,600 in sales preparation fees, $1,743,159 was used to pay off the outstanding mortgages and $2,125 in selling costs were paid. The remaining proceeds of $95,422 were distributed to the Partnership. The Partnership’s investment balance was zero at March 31, 2011. The Partnership incurred legal expenses of $4,045, therefore, a gain of $91,377 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The $95,422 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $85,422 in accrued asset management fees were paid and the remaining $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. The Local Limited Partnership Interest in Memory Lane, L. P. (“Memory Lane”) was sold to an affiliate of the Local Limited Partnership for $30,000 during the year ended March 31, 2012. Memory Lane was appraised for $470,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $641,435 as of December 31, 2010. The Partnership incurred $3,500 in appraisal expenses which was netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance was zero at the time of sale; therefore a gain of $26,500 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The $30,000 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $13,043 in accrued asset management fees were paid, $6,957 went towards unpaid operating expense and advances, and $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. No cash distribution was made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Sun Manor, L.P. (“Sun Manor”) was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $30,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. Sun Manor was appraised for $490,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,000,584 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $3,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $27,000 will be recorded during the respective period. The payment for the sale of Sun Manor will be made in six installments of $5,000 each. The Partnership received five installments totaling $25,000 as of March 31, 2012 and the proceeds were recorded as prepaid disposition proceeds. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The Local Limited Partnership was sold on April 30, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Almond Garden Apartments Associates (Almond Garden) was identified for sale and was sold subsequent thereto on May 1, 2012. The buyer offered $35,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. Almond Garden was appraised for $740,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,300,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $1,500 in appraisal expenses and $385 in legal fees which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $33,115 will be recorded during the respective period. The $35,000 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $25,000 in accrued asset management fees were paid and $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. No cash distribution was made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Buccaneer Villas, Limited was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $30,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. The funds will be placed into the Partnership’s reserves and will be used to reimburse the General Partner or an affiliate for prepaid operating expenses. Buccaneer was appraised for $1,300,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,379,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $3,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $27,000 will be recorded during the respective period. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The sale of the Local Limited Partnership is expected to close on June 15, 2012. As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Almond View Apartments, Limited was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $22,500 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. The funds will be placed into the Partnership’s reserves and will be used to reimburse the General Partner or an affiliate for prepaid operating expenses. Almond View was appraised for $1,300 and had a mortgage note balance of $2,912,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $1,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $21,500 will be recorded during the respective period. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The sale of the Local Limited Partnership is expected to close on July 31, 2012. Method of Accounting For Investments in Local Limited Partnerships The Partnership accounts for its investments in Local Limited Partnerships using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Partnership adjusts its investment balance for its share of the Local Limited Partnerships’ results of operations and for any contributions made and distributions received. The Partnership reviews the carrying amount of an individual investment in a Local Limited Partnership for possible impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such investment may not be recoverable. Recoverability of such investment is measured by the estimated value derived by management, generally consisting of the sum of the remaining future Low Income Housing Tax Credits estimated to be allocated to the Partnership and the estimated residual value to the Partnership. If an investment is considered to be impaired, the Partnership reduces the carrying value of its investment in any such Local Limited Partnership. The accounting policies of the Local Limited Partnerships, generally, are expected to be consistent with those of the Partnership. Costs incurred by the Partnership in acquiring the investments are capitalized as part of the investment and were being amortized over 27.5 years. (See Notes 2 and 3) "Equity in losses of Local Limited Partnerships" for each year ended March 31 has been recorded by the Partnership based on the twelve months of reported results provided by the Local Limited Partnerships for each year ended December 31. Equity in losses from the Local Limited Partnerships allocated to the Partnership is not recognized to the extent that the investment balance would be adjusted below zero. If the Local Limited Partnerships report net income in future years, the Partnership will resume applying the equity method only after its share of such net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period(s) the equity method was suspended. In accordance with the accounting guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities, the Partnership determines when it should include the assets, liabilities, and activities of a variable interest entity (VIE) in its financial statements, and when it should disclose information about its relationship with a VIE. The analysis that must be performed to determine which entity should consolidate a VIE focuses on control and economic factors. A VIE is a legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets, which must be consolidated by a company if it is the primary beneficiary because it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If multiple unrelated parties share such power, as defined, no party will be required to consolidate the VIE. Further, the guidance requires continual reconsideration of the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Based on this guidance, the Local Limited Partnerships in which the Partnership invests meet the definition of a VIE because the owners of the equity at risk in these entities do not have the power to direct their operations. However, management does not consolidate the Partnership's interests in these VIEs, as it is not considered to be the primary beneficiary since it does not have the power to direct the activities that are considered most significant to the economic performance of these entities. The Partnership currently records the amount of its investment in these Local Limited Partnerships as an asset on its balance sheets, recognizes its share of partnership income or losses in the statements of operations, and discloses how it accounts for material types of these investments in its financial statements. The Partnership's balance in investment in Local Limited Partnerships, plus the risk of recapture of tax credits previously recognized on these investments, represents its maximum exposure to loss. The Partnership's exposure to loss on these Local Limited Partnerships is mitigated by the condition and financial performance of the underlying Housing Complexes as well as the strength of the Local General Partners and their guarantee against credit recapture to the investors in the Partnership. Distributions received from the Local Limited Partnerships are accounted for as a reduction of the investment balance. Distributions received after the investment has reached zero are recognized as distribution income. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Partnership had no cash equivalents. Reporting Comprehensive Income The Partnership had no items of other comprehensive income for the periods presented. Net Loss Per Partnership Unit Net loss per Partnership Unit includes no dilution and is computed by dividing loss available to Limited Partners by the weighted average number of Partnership Units outstanding during the period. Calculation of diluted net loss per Partnership Unit is not required. Income Taxes The Partnership has elected to be treated as a pass-through entity for income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to income taxes. Rather, all items of taxable income, deductions and tax credits are passed through to and are reported by its owners on their respective income tax returns. The Partnership’s federal tax status as a pass-through entity is based on its legal status as a partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership is not required to take any tax positions in order to qualify as a pass-through entity. The Partnership is required to file and does file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. Accordingly, these financial statements do not reflect a provision for income taxes and the Partnership has no other tax positions which must be considered for disclosure. Revenue Recognition The Partnership is entitled to receive reporting fees from the Local Limited Partnerships. The intent of the reporting fees is to offset (in part) administrative costs incurred by the Partnership in corresponding with the Local Limited Partnerships. Due to the uncertainty of the collection of these fees, the Partnership recognizes reporting fees as collections are made. Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In September 2006, the FASB issued accounting guidance for Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and shall be applied prospectively except for very limited transactions. In February 2008, the FASB delayed for one year implementation of the guidance as it pertains to certain non-financial assets and liabilities. The Partnership adopted GAAP for Fair Value Measurements effective April 1, 2008, except as it applies to those non-financial assets and liabilities, for which the effective date was April 1, 2009. The Partnership has determined that adoption of this guidance has no material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements. In November 2008, the FASB issued accounting guidance on Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations that addresses how the initial carrying value of an equity method investment should be determined, how an impairment assessment of an underlying indefinite-lived intangible asset of an equity method investment should be performed, how an equity method investee’s issuance of shares should be accounted for, and how to account for a change in an investment from the equity method to the cost method. This guidance is effective in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Partnership adopted the guidance for the interim quarterly period beginning April 1, 2009. The impact of adopting it did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations. In April 2009, the FASB issued accounting guidance for Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. This requires disclosure about the method and significant assumptions used to establish the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as annual statements. It became effective for as of and for the interim period ended June 30, 2009 and had no impact on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations. In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance regarding subsequent events, which was subsequently updated in February 2011. This guidance established general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this guidance sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This guidance was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, and was therefore adopted by the Partnership for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the subsequent events that the Partnership reports, either through recognition or disclosure, in the financial statements. In February 2010, the FASB amended its guidance on subsequent events to remove the requirement to disclose the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events, alleviating conflicts with current SEC guidance. This amendment was effective immediately and therefore the Company did not include the disclosure in this Form 10-K. In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs). The amended guidance modifies the consolidation model to one based on control and economics, and replaces the current quantitative primary beneficiary analysis with a qualitative analysis. The primary beneficiary of a VIE will be the entity that has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If multiple unrelated parties share such power, as defined, no party will be required to consolidate the VIE. Further, the amended guidance requires continual reconsideration of the primary beneficiary of a VIE and adds an additional reconsideration event for determination of whether an entity is a VIE. Additionally, the amendment requires enhanced and expanded disclosures around VIEs. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance on April 1, 2010 did not have a material effect on the Partnership’s financial statements. In June 2009, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Codification (Codification). Effective July 1, 2009, the Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The Codification is intended to reorganize, rather than change, existing GAAP. Accordingly, all references to currently existing GAAP have been removed and have been replaced with plain English explanations of the Partnership’s accounting policies. The adoption of the Codification did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position or results of operations.

Organization and summary of significant accounting policies

12 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization and summary of significant accounting policies

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Organization

WNC California Housing Tax Credits III, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a California limited partnership formed under the laws of the State of California on October 5, 1992. The Partnership was formed to acquire limited partnership interests in other limited partnerships ("Local Limited Partnerships") which own multi-family or senior housing complexes (“Housing Complexes”) that are eligible for Federal low income housing tax credits (“Low Income Housing Tax Credits”). The local general partners (the “Local General Partners”) of each Local Limited Partnership retain responsibility for maintaining, operating and managing the Housing Complex. Each Local Limited Partnership is governed by its agreement of limited partnership or operating agreement (the “Local Limited Partnership Agreement”).

The general partner of the Partnership is WNC Tax Credit Partners III, L.P. (the “General Partner”). WNC & Associates, Inc. (“Associates”) is the general partner of WNC Tax Credit Partners III, L.P. The chairman and president of Associates owns all of the outstanding stock of Associates. The business of the Partnership is conducted primarily through Associates, as the Partnership has no employees of its own.

The Partnership shall continue to be in full force and effect until December 31, 2050 unless terminated prior to that date pursuant to the partnership agreement or law.

The financial statements include only activity relating to the business of the Partnership, and do not give effect to any assets that the partners may have outside of their interests in the Partnership, or to any obligations, including income taxes, of the partners.

Pursuant to a registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, on February 17, 1993, the Partnership commenced a public offering of 30,000 units of limited partnership interest ("Partnership Units") at a price of $1,000 per Partnership Unit. As of the close of the public offering on July 22, 1994, a total of 17,990 Partnership Units representing $17,990,000 had been sold. During 1995, an additional 10 Partnership Units amounting to $10,000 was collected on subscriptions accepted and previously deemed uncollectible. The General Partner has a 1% interest in operating profits and losses, taxable income and losses, in cash available for distribution from the Partnership and Low Income Housing Tax Credits of the Partnership. The investors in the Partnership (“Limited Partners”) will be allocated the remaining 99% of these items in proportion to their respective investments.

The proceeds from the disposition of any of the Local Limited Partnership properties will be used first to pay debts and other obligations per the respective Local Limited Partnership Agreement. Any remaining proceeds will then be paid to the Partnership. The sale of a Housing Complex may be subject to other restrictions and obligations. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that a Local Limited Partnership will be able to sell its Housing Complex. Even if it does so, there can be no assurance that any significant amounts of cash will be distributed to the Partnership. Should such distributions occur, the Limited Partners will be entitled to receive distributions equal to their capital contributions and their return on investment (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) and the General Partner would then be entitled to receive proceeds equal to their capital contributions from the remainder. Any additional sale or refinancing proceeds will be distributed 90% to the Limited Partners (in proportion to their respective investments) and 10% to the General Partner.

Risks and Uncertainties

An investment in the Partnership and the Partnership’s investments in Local Limited Partnerships and their Housing Complexes are subject to risks. These risks may impact the tax benefits of an investment in the Partnership, and the amount of proceeds available for distribution to the Limited Partners, if any, on liquidation of the Partnership’s investments. Some of those risks include the following:

The Low Income Housing Tax Credit rules are extremely complicated. Noncompliance with these rules results in the loss of future Low Income Housing Tax Credits and the fractional recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits already taken. In most cases the annual amount of Low Income Housing Tax Credits that an individual can use is limited to the tax liability due on the person’s last $25,000 of taxable income. The Local Limited Partnerships may be unable to sell the Housing Complexes at a price which would result in the Partnership realizing cash distributions or proceeds from the transaction. Accordingly, the Partnership may be unable to distribute any cash to its Limited Partners. Low Income Housing Tax Credits may be the only benefit from an investment in the Partnership.

The Partnership has invested in a limited number of Local Limited Partnerships. Such limited diversity means that the results of operation of each single Housing Complex will have a greater impact on the Partnership. With limited diversity, poor performance of one Housing Complex could impair the Partnership’s ability to satisfy its investment objectives. Each Housing Complex is subject to mortgage indebtedness. If a Local Limited Partnership failed to pay its mortgage, it could lose its Housing Complex in foreclosure. If foreclosure were to occur during the first 15 years, the loss of any remaining future Low Income Housing Tax Credits, a fractional recapture of prior Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and a loss of the Partnership’s investment in the Housing Complex would occur. The Partnership is a limited partner or non-managing member of each Local Limited Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership will have very limited rights with respect to management of the Local Limited Partnerships. The Partnership will rely totally on the Local General Partners. Neither the Partnership’s investments in Local Limited Partnerships, nor the Local Limited Partnerships’ investments in Housing Complexes, are readily marketable. To the extent the Housing Complexes receive government financing or operating subsidies, they may be subject to one or more of the following risks: difficulties in obtaining tenants for the Housing Complexes; difficulties in obtaining rent increases; limitations on cash distributions; limitations on sales or refinancing of Housing Complexes; limitations on transfers of interests in Local Limited Partnerships; limitations on removal of Local General Partners; limitations on subsidy programs; and possible changes in applicable regulations. Uninsured casualties could result in loss of property and Low Income Housing Tax Credits and recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits previously taken. The value of real estate is subject to risks from fluctuating economic conditions, including employment rates, inflation, tax, environmental, land use and zoning policies, supply and demand of similar properties, and neighborhood conditions, among others.

The ability of Limited Partners to claim tax losses from the Partnership is limited. The IRS may audit the Partnership or a Local Limited Partnership and challenge the tax treatment of tax items. The amount of Low Income Housing Tax Credits and tax losses allocable to the Limited Partners could be reduced if the IRS were successful in such a challenge. The alternative minimum tax could reduce tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership. Changes in tax laws could also impact the tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership and/or the value of the Housing Complexes.

All of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits anticipated to be realized from the Local Limited Partnerships have been realized. The Partnership does not anticipate being allocated any Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Local Limited Partnerships in the future.

Anticipated future and existing cash resources of the Partnership are not sufficient to pay existing liabilities of the Partnership. However, substantially all of the existing liabilities of the Partnership are payable to the General Partner and/or their affiliates. Though the amounts payable to the General Partner and/or its affiliates are contractually currently payable, the Partnership anticipates that the General Partner and/or its affiliates will not require the payment of these contractual obligations until capital reserves are in excess of the aggregate of then existing contractual obligations and then anticipated future foreseeable obligations of the Partnership. The Partnership would be adversely affected should the General Partner and/or its affiliates demand current payment of the existing contractual obligations and or suspend services for this or any other reason.

The Partnership currently has insufficient working capital to fund its operations. Associates has agreed to continue providing advances sufficient enough to fund the operations and working capital requirements of the Partnership through June 30, 2013.

No trading market for the Partnership Units exists or is expected to develop. Limited Partners may be unable to sell their Partnership Units except at a discount and should consider their Partnership Units to be a long-term investment. Individual Limited Partners will have no recourse if they disagree with actions authorized by a vote of the majority of Limited Partners.

Exit Strategy

The Compliance Period for a Housing Complex is generally 15 years following construction or rehabilitation completion. Associates was one of the first in the industry to offer syndicated investments in Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The initial programs have completed their Compliance Periods.

Upon the sale of a Local Limited Partnership Interest or Housing Complex after the end of the Compliance Period, there would be no recapture of Low Income Housing Tax Credits. A sale prior to the end of the Compliance Period must satisfy the “reasonable belief” test outlined above to avoid recapture. The date of termination of the ten-year credit period and the Compliance Period for each of the Partnership’s remaining Housing Complexes is set forth in Item 1 hereof.

With that in mind, the General Partner is continuing its review of the Housing Complexes. The review considers many factors, including extended use requirements (such as those due to mortgage restrictions or state compliance agreements), the condition of the Housing Complexes, and the tax consequences to the Limited Partners from the sale of the Housing Complexes.

Upon identifying those Housing Complexes with the highest potential for a successful sale, refinancing or re-syndication, the Partnership expects to proceed with efforts to liquidate them. The objective is to wind down the Partnership as Low Income Housing Tax Credits are no longer available. Local Limited Partnership Interests may be disposed of any time by the General Partner in its discretion. While liquidation of the Housing Complexes continues to be evaluated, the dissolution of the Partnership was not imminent as of March 31, 2012.

As of March 31, 2011, the Partnership sold its Local Limited Partnership Interest in Candleridge Perry L.P. II, Nueva Sierra Vista Associates, Rosewood Apartments L.P., Venus Retirement Village, Ltd, Winters Investment Group, Parlier Garden Apartments, L.P. and Tahoe Pines Apartment, L.P.

During the year ended March 31, 2012 the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Walnut – Pixley, L.P. (Walnut-Pixley) was sold. A related entity of the Local General Partner of Walnut-Pixley purchased the Partnership’s Local Limited Partnership Interest for $265,164. The Limited Partnership Agreement has an Option to Purchase Clause and the Local General Partner chose to exercise that option. The property was appraised for $1,800,000, had outstanding mortgage debt as of December 31, 2010 of $1,423,143 and $195,376 was due to the Local General Partner. There were replacement reserves of $83,683 which remained with the seller, which resulted in sales proceeds of $265,164. The Partnership incurred legal expenses of $1,080 resulting in a gain of $264,084 recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The Partnership paid $255,164 of accrued asset management fees and the remaining $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required.

The Local Limited Partnership Interest in Orosi Apartments, Ltd. (Orosi) was also sold during the year ended March 31, 2012. Consistent with the investment objectives of the Partnership, the Housing Complex qualified for Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits under the Internal Revenue Code for a 10-year period. The credit period has expired, and no further credits are being generated by the Housing Complex. The Compliance Period has also expired; therefore, there will be no credit recapture upon the transfer of the Local Limited Partnership. On March 11, 2011, the Partnership filed preliminary solicitation material to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the written consent of the Limited Partners for the commencement of disposition. The preliminary material was then amended on March 18, 2011. Definitive materials were filed on March 24, 2011. The disposition was approved with the majority of the votes. The total sales price including replacement reserves was $1,912,306, which was disbursed as follows: the General Partner of Orosi was paid $71,600 in sales preparation fees, $1,743,159 was used to pay off the outstanding mortgages and $2,125 in selling costs were paid. The remaining proceeds of $95,422 were distributed to the Partnership. The Partnership’s investment balance was zero at March 31, 2011. The Partnership incurred legal expenses of $4,045, therefore, a gain of $91,377 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The $95,422 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $85,422 in accrued asset management fees were paid and the remaining $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses.

The Local Limited Partnership Interest in Memory Lane, L. P. (“Memory Lane”) was sold to an affiliate of the Local Limited Partnership for $30,000 during the year ended March 31, 2012. Memory Lane was appraised for $470,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $641,435 as of December 31, 2010. The Partnership incurred $3,500 in appraisal expenses which was netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance was zero at the time of sale; therefore a gain of $26,500 was recorded during the year ended March 31, 2012. The $30,000 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $13,043 in accrued asset management fees were paid, $6,957 went towards unpaid operating expense and advances, and $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. No cash distribution was made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required.

As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Sun Manor, L.P. (“Sun Manor”) was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $30,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. Sun Manor was appraised for $490,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,000,584 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $3,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $27,000 will be recorded during the respective period. The payment for the sale of Sun Manor will be made in six installments of $5,000 each. The Partnership received five installments totaling $25,000 as of March 31, 2012 and the proceeds were recorded as prepaid disposition proceeds. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The Local Limited Partnership was sold on April 30, 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Almond Garden Apartments Associates (Almond Garden) was identified for sale and was sold subsequent thereto on May 1, 2012. The buyer offered $35,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. Almond Garden was appraised for $740,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,300,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $1,500 in appraisal expenses and $385 in legal fees which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $33,115 will be recorded during the respective period. The $35,000 of cash proceeds were used as follows: $25,000 in accrued asset management fees were paid and $10,000 was placed in the Partnership’s reserve for future operating expenses. No cash distribution was made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required.

As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Buccaneer Villas, Limited was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $30,000 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. The funds will be placed into the Partnership’s reserves and will be used to reimburse the General Partner or an affiliate for prepaid operating expenses. Buccaneer was appraised for $1,300,000 and had a mortgage note balance of $1,379,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $3,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $27,000 will be recorded during the respective period. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The sale of the Local Limited Partnership is expected to close on June 15, 2012.

As of March 31, 2012, the Local Limited Partnership Interest in Almond View Apartments, Limited was identified to be sold to an affiliate of the Local General Partner. The buyer offered $22,500 to purchase the Local Limited Partnership Interest. The funds will be placed into the Partnership’s reserves and will be used to reimburse the General Partner or an affiliate for prepaid operating expenses. Almond View was appraised for $1,300 and had a mortgage note balance of $2,912,000 as of December 31, 2011. The Partnership has incurred $1,000 in appraisal expenses which will be netted against the proceeds from the sale in calculating the gain on the sale. The Partnership’s investment balance is zero; therefore a gain of $21,500 will be recorded during the respective period. No cash distribution will be made to the Limited Partners as a result of this sale. The Compliance Period has been completed therefore there is no risk of recapture and investor approval is not required. The sale of the Local Limited Partnership is expected to close on July 31, 2012.

Method of Accounting For Investments in Local Limited Partnerships

The Partnership accounts for its investments in Local Limited Partnerships using the equity method of accounting, whereby the Partnership adjusts its investment balance for its share of the Local Limited Partnerships’ results of operations and for any contributions made and distributions received. The Partnership reviews the carrying amount of an individual investment in a Local Limited Partnership for possible impairment at least annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such investment may not be recoverable. Recoverability of such investment is measured by the estimated value derived by management, generally consisting of the sum of the remaining future Low Income Housing Tax Credits estimated to be allocated to the Partnership and the estimated residual value to the Partnership. If an investment is considered to be impaired, the Partnership reduces the carrying value of its investment in any such Local Limited Partnership. The accounting policies of the Local Limited Partnerships, generally, are expected to be consistent with those of the Partnership. Costs incurred by the Partnership in acquiring the investments are capitalized as part of the investment and were being amortized over 27.5 years. (See Notes 2 and 3)

"Equity in losses of Local Limited Partnerships" for each year ended March 31 has been recorded by the Partnership based on the twelve months of reported results provided by the Local Limited Partnerships for each year ended December 31. Equity in losses from the Local Limited Partnerships allocated to the Partnership is not recognized to the extent that the investment balance would be adjusted below zero. If the Local Limited Partnerships report net income in future years, the Partnership will resume applying the equity method only after its share of such net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period(s) the equity method was suspended.

In accordance with the accounting guidance for the consolidation of variable interest entities, the Partnership determines when it should include the assets, liabilities, and activities of a variable interest entity (VIE) in its financial statements, and when it should disclose information about its relationship with a VIE. The analysis that must be performed to determine which entity should consolidate a VIE focuses on control and economic factors. A VIE is a legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets, which must be consolidated by a company if it is the primary beneficiary because it has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If multiple unrelated parties share such power, as defined, no party will be required to consolidate the VIE. Further, the guidance requires continual reconsideration of the primary beneficiary of a VIE.

Based on this guidance, the Local Limited Partnerships in which the Partnership invests meet the definition of a VIE because the owners of the equity at risk in these entities do not have the power to direct their operations. However, management does not consolidate the Partnership's interests in these VIEs, as it is not considered to be the primary beneficiary since it does not have the power to direct the activities that are considered most significant to the economic performance of these entities. The Partnership currently records the amount of its investment in these Local Limited Partnerships as an asset on its balance sheets, recognizes its share of partnership income or losses in the statements of operations, and discloses how it accounts for material types of these investments in its financial statements. The Partnership's balance in investment in Local Limited Partnerships, plus the risk of recapture of tax credits previously recognized on these investments, represents its maximum exposure to loss. The Partnership's exposure to loss on these Local Limited Partnerships is mitigated by the condition and financial performance of the underlying Housing Complexes as well as the strength of the Local General Partners and their guarantee against credit recapture to the investors in the Partnership.

Distributions received from the Local Limited Partnerships are accounted for as a reduction of the investment balance. Distributions received after the investment has reached zero are recognized as distribution income.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2012 and 2011, the Partnership had no cash equivalents.

Reporting Comprehensive Income

The Partnership had no items of other comprehensive income for the periods presented.

Net Loss Per Partnership Unit

Net loss per Partnership Unit includes no dilution and is computed by dividing loss available to Limited Partners by the weighted average number of Partnership Units outstanding during the period. Calculation of diluted net loss per Partnership Unit is not required.

Income Taxes

The Partnership has elected to be treated as a pass-through entity for income tax purposes and, as such, is not subject to income taxes. Rather, all items of taxable income, deductions and tax credits are passed through to and are reported by its owners on their respective income tax returns. The Partnership’s federal tax status as a pass-through entity is based on its legal status as a partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership is not required to take any tax positions in order to qualify as a pass-through entity. The Partnership is required to file and does file tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and other taxing authorities. Accordingly, these financial statements do not reflect a provision for income taxes and the Partnership has no other tax positions which must be considered for disclosure.

Revenue Recognition

The Partnership is entitled to receive reporting fees from the Local Limited Partnerships. The intent of the reporting fees is to offset (in part) administrative costs incurred by the Partnership in corresponding with the Local Limited Partnerships. Due to the uncertainty of the collection of these fees, the Partnership recognizes reporting fees as collections are made.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued accounting guidance for Fair Value Measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure about fair value measurements. This guidance is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 and shall be applied prospectively except for very limited transactions. In February 2008, the FASB delayed for one year implementation of the guidance as it pertains to certain non-financial assets and liabilities. The Partnership adopted GAAP for Fair Value Measurements effective April 1, 2008, except as it applies to those non-financial assets and liabilities, for which the effective date was April 1, 2009. The Partnership has determined that adoption of this guidance has no material impact on the Partnership’s financial statements.

In November 2008, the FASB issued accounting guidance on Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations that addresses how the initial carrying value of an equity method investment should be determined, how an impairment assessment of an underlying indefinite-lived intangible asset of an equity method investment should be performed, how an equity method investee’s issuance of shares should be accounted for, and how to account for a change in an investment from the equity method to the cost method. This guidance is effective in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Partnership adopted the guidance for the interim quarterly period beginning April 1, 2009. The impact of adopting it did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2009, the FASB issued accounting guidance for Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. This requires disclosure about the method and significant assumptions used to establish the fair value of financial instruments for interim reporting periods as well as annual statements. It became effective for as of and for the interim period ended June 30, 2009 and had no impact on the Partnership’s financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance regarding subsequent events, which was subsequently updated in February 2011. This guidance established general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. In particular, this guidance sets forth the period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements, and the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This guidance was effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods ending after June 15, 2009, and was therefore adopted by the Partnership for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. The adoption did not have a significant impact on the subsequent events that the Partnership reports, either through recognition or disclosure, in the financial statements. In February 2010, the FASB amended its guidance on subsequent events to remove the requirement to disclose the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events, alleviating conflicts with current SEC guidance. This amendment was effective immediately and therefore the Company did not include the disclosure in this Form 10-K.

In June 2009, the FASB issued an amendment to the accounting and disclosure requirements for the consolidation of variable interest entities (VIEs). The amended guidance modifies the consolidation model to one based on control and economics, and replaces the current quantitative primary beneficiary analysis with a qualitative analysis. The primary beneficiary of a VIE will be the entity that has (1) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. If multiple unrelated parties share such power, as defined, no party will be required to consolidate the VIE. Further, the amended guidance requires continual reconsideration of the primary beneficiary of a VIE and adds an additional reconsideration event for determination of whether an entity is a VIE. Additionally, the amendment requires enhanced and expanded disclosures around VIEs. This amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2009. The adoption of this guidance on April 1, 2010 did not have a material effect on the Partnership’s financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued the Accounting Standards Codification (Codification). Effective July 1, 2009, the Codification is the single source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by non-governmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP. The Codification is intended to reorganize, rather than change, existing GAAP. Accordingly, all references to currently existing GAAP have been removed and have been replaced with plain English explanations of the Partnership’s accounting policies. The adoption of the Codification did not have a material impact on the Partnership’s financial position or results of operations.