WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>  This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from 
the quarter ended December 30, 1996 Form 10Q Balance Sheets and Statements of
Operations and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK>            0000856135
<NAME>           American Tax Credit Properties, III L.P.
<MULTIPLIER>     1000
<CURRENCY>          0
       
<S>                                                                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                                                                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                                                                         MAR-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                                                            MAR-31-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                                                              DEC-30-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                                                                     0
<CASH>                                                                                            385
<SECURITIES>                                                                                    2,933
<RECEIVABLES>                                                                                       0
<ALLOWANCES>                                                                                        0
<INVENTORY>                                                                                         0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                                                                    0
<PP&E>                                                                                              0
<DEPRECIATION>                                                                                      0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                                                                 16,061
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                                                               0
<BONDS>                                                                                             0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                                                               0
<PREFERRED>                                                                                         0
<COMMON>                                                                                            0
<OTHER-SE>                                                                                          0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                                                                   16,061
<SALES>                                                                                           237
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                                                                    0
<CGS>                                                                                               0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                                                                       0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                                                                    0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                                                                    0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                                                                  0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                                                                (2,161)
<INCOME-TAX>                                                                                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                                                            (2,161)
<DISCONTINUED>                                                                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                                                                     0
<CHANGES>                                                                                           0
<NET-INCOME>                                                                                   (2,161)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                                                                    (.06)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                                                                       0
                                                                                                   


</TABLE>