<PAGE>

                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[XX] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended    December 31, 1997
                         -------------------------------------------------------

                                       OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

For the transition period from ____________________ to _______________________

Commission file number     0-18364
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                  American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Massachusetts                                        04-3057303
----------------------------------------        --------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                 (IRS Employer
 incorporation or organization)                 Identification No.)

 88 Broad St., Sixth Floor, Boston, MA           02110
---------------------------------------         --------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)        (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code   (617) 854-5800
                                                  ------------------------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act   NONE
                                                          ----------------------
                                                Name of each exchange on which
           Title of each class                  registered

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

             1,380,661  Units Representing Limited Partnership Interest
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                (Title of class)

      Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes   XX    No
                                             -------     ------

      State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliates
of the registrant. Not applicable. Securities are nonvoting for this purpose.
Refer to Item 12 for further information.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
       Portions of the Registrant's Annual Report to security holders for
                the year ended December 31, 1997 (Part I and II)


<PAGE>

                  AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                                    FORM 10-K

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            Page
                                                                            ----
                                     PART I

Item 1.     Business                                                           3

Item 2.     Properties                                                         5

Item 3.     Legal Proceedings                                                  5

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                5


                                     PART II

Item 5.     Market for the Partnership's Securities and Related Security
            Holder Matters                                                     6

Item 6.     Selected Financial Data                                            7

Item 7.     Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
            and Results of Operations                                          7

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                        7

Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
            Financial Disclosure                                               7


                                    PART III

Item 10.    Directors and Executive Officers of the Partnership                8

Item 11.    Executive Compensation                                            10

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management    10

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                    11


                                     PART IV

Item 14.    Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
                                                                           13-15


                                      -2-
<PAGE>

PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

     (a)  General Development of Business

     American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") was
organized as a limited partnership under the Massachusetts Uniform Limited
Partnership Act (the "Uniform Act") on July 24, 1989 for the purpose of
acquiring and leasing to third parties a diversified portfolio of capital
equipment. Partners' capital initially consisted of contributions of $1,000 from
the General Partner (AFG Leasing IV Incorporated) and $100 from the Initial
Limited Partner (AFG Assignor Corporation). On September 29, 1989, the
Partnership issued 1,380,661 units, representing assignments of limited
partnership interests (the "Units"), to 1,815 investors. Unitholders and Limited
Partners (other than the Initial Limited Partner) are collectively referred to
as Recognized Owners. The Partnership has one General Partner, AFG Leasing IV
Incorporated, a Massachusetts corporation formed in 1987 and an affiliate of
Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership (formerly American Finance Group), a
Massachusetts limited partnership ("EFG"). The common stock of the General
Partner is owned by AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership, of which EFG and a
wholly-owned subsidiary are the 99% limited partners and AFG Programs, Inc.,
which is wholly-owned by EFG, is the 1% general partner. The General Partner is
not required to make any other capital contributions except as may be required
under the Uniform Act and Section 6.1(b) of the Amended and Restated Agreement
and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the "Restated Agreement, as amended").

     (b)  Financial Information About Industry Segments

     The Partnership is engaged in only one industry segment: the business of
acquiring capital equipment and leasing the equipment to creditworthy lessees on
a full payout or operating lease basis. (Full payout leases are those in which
aggregate noncancellable rents exceed the Purchase Price of the leased
equipment. Operating leases are those in which the aggregate noncancellable
rental payments are less than the Purchase Price of the leased equipment.)
Industry segment data is not applicable.

     (c)  Narrative Description of Business

     The Partnership was organized to acquire a diversified portfolio of capital
equipment subject to various full payout and operating leases and to lease the
equipment to third parties as income-producing investments. More specifically,
the Partnership's primary investment objectives are to acquire and lease
equipment which will:

     1. Generate quarterly cash distributions;

     2. Preserve and protect invested capital; and

     3. Maintain substantial residual value for ultimate sale.

     The Partnership has the additional objective of providing certain federal
income tax benefits.

     The Closing Date of the Offering of Units of the Partnership was September
29, 1989. The initial purchase of equipment and the associated lease commitments
occurred on September 29, 1989. The acquisition of the equipment and its
associated leases is described in Note 3 to the financial statements included in
Item 14, herein. The Partnership is expected to terminate no later than December
31, 2000; however, the Partnership is a Nominal Defendant in a Class Action
Lawsuit. The outcome of the Class Action Lawsuit could alter the nature of the
Partnership's organization and its future business operations. See Note 7 to the
accompanying financial statements.

     The Partnership has no employees; however, it is managed pursuant to a
Management Agreement with EFG or one of its affiliates (the "Manager"). The
Manager's role, among other things, is to (i) evaluate, select, negotiate, and
consummate the acquisition of equipment, (ii) manage the leasing, re-leasing,
financing, and refinancing of equipment, and (iii) arrange the resale of
equipment. The Manager is compensated for such


                                      -3-
<PAGE>

services as described in the Restated Agreement, as amended, Item 13 herein, and
in Note 5 to the financial statements included in Item 14, herein.

     The Partnership's investment in equipment is, and will continue to be,
subject to various risks, including physical deterioration, technological
obsolescence and defaults by lessees. A principal business risk of owning and
leasing equipment is the possibility that aggregate lease revenues and equipment
sale proceeds will be insufficient to provide an acceptable rate of return on
invested capital after payment of all debt service costs and operating expenses.
Consequently, the success of the Partnership is largely dependent upon the
ability of the General Partner and its Affiliates to forecast technological
advances, the ability of the lessees to fulfill their lease obligations and the
quality and marketability of the equipment at the time of sale.

     In addition, the leasing industry is very competitive. Although all funds
available for acquisitions have been invested in equipment, subject to
noncancellable lease agreements, the Partnership will encounter considerable
competition when equipment is re-leased or sold at the expiration of primary
lease terms. The Partnership will compete with lease programs offered directly
by manufacturers and other equipment leasing companies, including limited
partnerships and trusts organized and managed similarly to the Partnership and
including other EFG sponsored partnerships and trusts, which may seek to
re-lease or sell equipment within their own portfolios to the same customers as
the Partnership. Many competitors have greater financial resources and more
experience than the Partnership, the General Partner and the Manager.

     Default by a lessee under a lease may cause equipment to be returned to the
Partnership at a time when the General Partner or the Manager is unable to
arrange for the re-lease or sale of such equipment. This could result in the
loss of a material portion of anticipated revenues.

     Generally, the Partnership is prohibited from reinvesting the proceeds
generated by refinancing or selling equipment. Accordingly, it is anticipated
that the Partnership will begin to liquidate its portfolio of equipment at the
expiration of the initial and renewal lease terms and to distribute the net
liquidation proceeds. As an alternative to sale, the Partnership may enter
re-lease agreements when considered advantageous by the General Partner and the
Manager.

     Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 is
incorporated herein by reference to Note 2 to the financial statements in the
1996 Annual Report. Refer to Item 14(a)(3) for lease agreements filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

      EFG is a Massachusetts limited partnership formerly known as American
Finance Group ("AFG"). AFG was established in 1988 as a Massachusetts general
partnership and succeeded American Finance Group, Inc., a Massachusetts
corporation organized in 1980. EFG and its subsidiaries (collectively, the
"Company") are engaged in various aspects of the equipment leasing business,
including EFG's role as Manager or Advisor to the Partnership and several other
Direct-Participation equipment leasing programs sponsored or co-sponsored by EFG
(the "Other Investment Programs"). The Company arranges to broker or originate
equipment leases, acts as remarketing agent and asset manager, and provides
leasing support services, such as billing, collecting, and asset tracking.

      The general partner of EFG, with a 1% controlling interest, is Equis
Corporation, a Massachusetts corporation owned and controlled entirely by Gary
D. Engle, its President and Chief Executive Officer. Equis Corporation also owns
a controlling 1% general partner interest in EFG's 99% limited partner, GDE
Acquisition Limited Partnership ("GDE LP"). Equis Corporation and GDE LP were
established in December 1994 by Mr. Engle for the sole purpose of acquiring the
business of AFG.

     In January 1996, the Company sold certain assets of AFG relating primarily
to the business of originating new leases, and the name "American Finance
Group," and its acronym, to a third party. AFG changed its name to Equis
Financial Group Limited Partnership after the sale was concluded. Pursuant to
terms of the sale agreements, EFG specifically reserved the rights to continue
using the name American Finance Group and its acronym in connection with the
Partnership and the Other Investment Programs and to continue managing all
assets owned by the Partnership and the Other Investment Programs.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>

     (d)  Financial Information About Foreign and Domestic Operations and Export
          Sales

     Not applicable.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

     Incorporated herein by reference to Note 3 to the financial statements in
the 1997 Annual Report.

ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     Incorporated herein by reference to Note 7 to the financial statements in
the 1997 Annual Report.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

     None.


                                      -5-
<PAGE>

PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR THE PARTNERSHIP'S SECURITIES AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER
          MATTERS.

     (a) Market Information

     There is no public market for the resale of the Units and it is not
anticipated that a public market for resale of the Units will develop.

     (b) Approximate Number of Security Holders

     At December 31, 1997, there were 1,633 record holders of Units in the
Partnership.

     (c) Dividend History and Restrictions

     Pursuant to Article VI of the Restated Agreement, as amended, the
Partnership's Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From
Sales or Refinancings are determined and distributed to the Partners quarterly.
Each quarter's distribution may vary in amount. Distributions may be made to the
General Partner prior to the end of the fiscal quarter; however, the amount of
such distribution reflects only amounts to which the General Partner is entitled
at the time such distribution is made. Currently, there are no restrictions that
materially limit the Partnership's ability to distribute Distributable Cash From
Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings or that the
Partnership believes are likely to materially limit the future distribution of
Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or
Refinancings. The Partnership expects to continue to distribute all
Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or
Refinancings on a quarterly basis.

     Distributions in 1997 and 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    General        Recognized
                                     Total          Partner          Owners
                                 -----------     -----------      -----------
<S>                              <C>             <C>              <C>
Total 1997 distributions         $   681,245     $    34,062      $   647,183

Total 1996 distributions           6,082,175         304,109        5,778,066
                                 -----------     -----------      -----------
                   Total         $ 6,763,420     $   338,171      $ 6,425,249
                                 ===========     ===========      ===========
</TABLE>

     Distributions payable at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $136,250 and
$181,665, respectively.

     "Distributable Cash From Operations" means the net cash provided by the
Partnership's normal operations after general expenses and current liabilities
of the Partnership are paid, reduced by any reserves for working capital and
contingent liabilities to be funded from such cash, to the extent deemed
reasonable by the General Partner, and increased by any portion of such reserves
deemed by the General Partner not to be required for Partnership operations and
reduced by all accrued and unpaid Equipment Management Fees and, after Payout,
further reduced by all accrued and unpaid Subordinated Remarketing Fees.
Distributable Cash From Operations does not include any Distributable Cash From
Sales or Refinancings.

     "Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings" means Cash From Sales or
Refinancings as reduced by (i)(a) amounts realized from any loss or destruction
of equipment which the General Partner determines shall be reinvested in similar
equipment for the remainder of the original lease term of the lost or destroyed
equipment, or in isolated instances, in other equipment, if the General Partner
determines that investment of such proceeds will significantly improve the
diversity of the Partnership's equipment portfolio, and subject in either case
to satisfaction of all existing indebtedness secured by such equipment to the
extent deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner, or (b) the
proceeds from the sale of an interest in equipment pursuant to any agreement
governing a joint venture which the General Partner determines will be invested
in additional


                                      -6-
<PAGE>

equipment or interests in equipment and which ultimately are so reinvested and
(ii) any accrued and unpaid Equipment Management Fees and, after Payout, any
accrued and unpaid Subordinated Remarketing Fees.

     "Cash From Sales or Refinancings" means cash received by the Partnership
from sale or refinancing transactions, as reduced by (i)(a) all debts and
liabilities of the Partnership required to be paid as a result of sale or
refinancing transactions, whether or not then due and payable (including any
liabilities on an item of equipment sold which are not assumed by the buyer and
any remarketing fees required to be paid to persons not affiliated with the
General Partner, but not including any Subordinated Remarketing Fees whether or
not then due and payable) and (b) any reserves for working capital and
contingent liabilities funded from such cash to the extent deemed reasonable by
the General Partner and (ii) increased by any portion of such reserves deemed by
the General Partner not to be required for Partnership operations. In the event
the Partnership accepts a note in connection with any sale or refinancing
transaction, all payments subsequently received in cash by the Partnership with
respect to such note shall be included in Cash From Sales or Refinancings,
regardless of the treatment of such payments by the Partnership for tax or
accounting purposes. If the Partnership receives purchase money obligations in
payment for equipment sold, which are secured by liens on such equipment, the
amount of such obligations shall not be included in Cash From Sales or
Refinancings until the obligations are fully satisfied.

     Each distribution of Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable
Cash From Sales or Refinancings of the Partnership shall be made 95% to the
Recognized Owners and 5% to the General Partner.

     "Payout" is defined as the first time when the aggregate amount of all
distributions to the Recognized Owners of Distributable Cash From Operations and
Distributable Cash From Sales or Refinancings equals the aggregate amount of the
Recognized Owners' original capital contributions plus a cumulative annual
return of 11% (compounded quarterly and calculated beginning with the last day
of the month of the Partnership's Closing Date) on their aggregate unreturned
capital contributions. For purposes of this definition, capital contributions
shall be deemed to have been returned only to the extent that distributions of
cash to the Recognized Owners exceed the amount required to satisfy the
cumulative annual return of 11% (compounded quarterly) on the Recognized Owners'
aggregate unreturned capital contributions, such calculation to be based on the
aggregate unreturned capital contributions outstanding on the first day of each
fiscal quarter.

     Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or
Refinancings ("Distributions") are distributed within 45 days after the
completion of each quarter, beginning with the first full fiscal quarter
following the Partnership's Closing Date. Each Distribution is described in a
statement sent to the Recognized Owners.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

     Incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Selected
Financial Data" in the 1997 Annual Report.

ITEM 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS.

     Incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the
1997 Annual Report.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

     Incorporated herein by reference to the financial statements and
supplementary data included in the 1997 Annual Report.

ITEM 9.  CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
         FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

     None.


                                      -7-
<PAGE>

PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP.

     (a-b) Identification of Directors and Executive Officers

     The Partnership has no Directors or Officers. As indicated in Item 1 of
this report, AFG Leasing IV Incorporated is the sole General Partner of the
Partnership. Under the Restated Agreement, as amended, the General Partner is
solely responsible for the operation of the Partnership's properties and the
Recognized Owners have no right to participate in the control of such
operations. The names, titles and ages of the Directors and Executive Officers
of the General Partner as of March 15, 1998 are as follows:

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF
THE GENERAL PARTNER (See Item 13)
-----------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                Name                                            Title                             Age             Term
-----------------------------------        ---------------------------------------------        ------         -----------
<S>                                        <C>                                                     <C>          <C>
Geoffrey A. MacDonald                      Chairman and a member of the                                          Until a
                                           Executive Committee of EFG                                           successor
                                           and President and a Director                                          is duly
                                           of the General Partner                                  49           elected
                                                                                                                   and
                                                                                                                qualified
Gary D. Engle                              President and Chief Executive
                                           Officer and member of the
                                           Executive Committee of EFG and a
                                           Director of the General Partner                         49

Gary M. Romano                             Executive Vice President and Chief
                                           Operating Officer of EFG and
                                           Clerk of the General Partner                            38

James A. Coyne                             Executive Vice President of EFG                         37

Michael J. Butterfield                     Vice President, Finance and Treasurer
                                           of EFG and Treasurer of the
                                           General Partner                                         38

James F. Livesey                           Vice President, Aircraft and Vessels
                                           of EFG                                                  48

Sandra L. Simonsen                         Senior Vice President, Information Systems
                                           of EFG                                                  47

Gail D. Ofgant                             Vice President, Lease Operations of EFG                 32
</TABLE>

     (c) Identification of Certain Significant Persons

     None.

     (d) Family Relationship

     No family relationship exists among any of the foregoing Partners,
Directors or Executive Officers.

     (e) Business Experience


                                      -8-
<PAGE>

     Mr. MacDonald, age 49, is a co-founder, Chairman and a member of the
Executive Committee of EFG and President and a Director of the General Partner.
Mr. MacDonald was also a co-founder, Director and Senior Vice President of EFG's
predecessor corporation from 1980 to 1988. Mr. MacDonald is President of
American Finance Group Securities Corp. and a limited partner in Atlantic
Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital Limited
Partnership ("ONC"). Prior to co-founding EFG's predecessors, Mr. MacDonald held
various executive and management positions in the leasing and pharmaceutical
industries. Mr. MacDonald holds an M.B.A. from Boston College and a B.A. degree
from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst).

     Mr. Engle, age 49, is President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of
the Executive Committee of EFG and President of AFG Realty Corporation. Mr.
Engle is Vice President and a Director of certain of EFG's affiliates. On
December 16, 1994, Mr. Engle acquired control of EFG, the General Partner and
each of EFG's subsidiaries. Mr. Engle controls the general partner of AALP and
is a limited partner in AALP. Mr. Engle is also a limited partner in ONC. In May
1997, Mr. Engle was elected to the Board of Directors of Semele Group, Inc.
("Semele"). From 1987 to 1990, Mr. Engle was a principal and co-founder of Cobb
Partners Development, Inc., a real estate and mortgage banking company. From
1980 to 1987, Mr. Engle was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Arvida Disney Company, a large scale community development company owned by Walt
Disney Company. Prior to 1980, Mr. Engle served in various management consulting
and institutional brokerage capacities. Mr. Engle has an M.B.A. from Harvard
University and a B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst).

     Mr. Romano, age 38, is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
of EFG and certain of its affiliates and Clerk of the General Partner. Mr.
Romano was appointed Chief Financial Officer of Semele in November 1997. Mr.
Romano joined EFG in November 1989 and was appointed Executive Vice President
and Chief Operating Officer in April 1996. Prior to joining EFG, Mr. Romano was
Assistant Controller for a privately-held real estate company which he joined in
1987. Mr. Romano held audit staff and manager positions at Ernst & Whinney (now
Ernst & Young LLP) from 1982 to 1986. Mr. Romano is a C.P.A. and holds a B.S.
degree from Boston College.

     Mr. Coyne, age 37, is Executive Vice President of EFG. Mr. Coyne joined EFG
in 1989, remained until May 1993, and rejoined EFG in November 1994. Mr. Coyne
was appointed Executive Vice President of EFG in September 1997. Mr. Coyne is a
limited partner in AALP and ONC. In October 1997, Mr. Coyne was elected
President and Chief Operating Officer of Semele. From May 1993 through November
1994, he was with the Raymond Company, a private investment firm, where he was
responsible for financing corporate and real estate acquisitions. From 1985
through 1989, Mr. Coyne was affiliated with a real estate investment company and
an equipment leasing company. Prior to 1985 he was with the accounting firm of
Ernst & Whinney (now Ernst & Young LLP). He has a BS in Business Administration
from John Carroll University, a Masters Degree in Accounting from Case Western
Reserve University and is a Certified Public Accountant.

     Mr. Butterfield, age 38, joined EFG in June 1992 and became Vice President,
Finance and Treasurer of EFG and certain of its affiliates in April 1996 and is
Treasurer of the General Partner. Mr. Butterfield was appointed Treasurer of
Semele in November 1997. Prior to joining EFG, Mr. Butterfield was an Audit
Manager with Ernst & Young LLP, which he joined in 1987. Mr. Butterfield was
employed in public accounting and industry positions in New Zealand and London
(U.K.) prior to coming to the United States in 1987. Mr. Butterfield attained
his Associate Chartered Accountant (A.C.A.) professional qualification in New
Zealand and has completed his C.P.A. requirements in the United States. He holds
a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Otago, Dunedin, New
Zealand.

     Mr. Livesey, age 48, is Vice President, Aircraft and Vessels, of EFG. Mr.
Livesey joined EFG in October, 1989, and was promoted to Vice President in
January 1992. Prior to joining EFG, Mr. Livesey held sales and marketing
positions with two privately-held equipment leasing firms. Mr. Livesey holds an
M.B.A. from Boston College and B.A. degree from Stonehill College.

     Ms. Simonsen, age 47, joined EFG in February 1990 and was promoted to
Senior Vice President, Information Systems of EFG in April 1996. Prior to
joining EFG, Ms. Simonsen was Vice President, Information Systems with Investors
Mortgage Insurance Company which she joined in 1973. Ms. Simonsen provided
systems consulting for a subsidiary of American International Group and authored
a software program published by IBM. Ms. Simonsen holds a B.A. degree from
Wilson College.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>

     Ms. Ofgant, age 32, is Vice President, Lease Operations of EFG and certain
of its affiliates. Ms. Ofgant joined EFG in June 1989, and was promoted to
Manager, Lease Operations in April 1994. In April 1996, Ms. Ofgant was appointed
Vice President, Lease Operations. Prior to joining EFG, Ms. Ofgant was employed
by Security Pacific National Trust Company. Ms. Ofgant holds a B.S. degree in
Finance from Providence College.

     (f) Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

     None.

     (g) Promoters and Control Persons

     See Item 10 (a-b) above.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

     (a) Cash Compensation

     Currently, the Partnership has no employees. However, under the terms of
the Restated Agreement, as amended, the Partnership is obligated to pay all
costs of personnel employed full or part-time by the Partnership, including
officers or employees of the General Partner or its Affiliates. There is no plan
at the present time to make any officers or employees of the General Partner or
its Affiliates employees of the Partnership. The Partnership has not paid and
does not propose to pay any options, warrants or rights to the officers or
employees of the General Partner or its Affiliates.

     (b) Compensation Pursuant to Plans

     None.

     (c) Other Compensation

     Although the Partnership has no employees, as discussed in Item 11(a),
pursuant to section 10.4 of the Restated Agreement, as amended, the Partnership
incurs a monthly charge for personnel costs of the Manager for persons engaged
in providing administrative services to the Partnership. A description of the
remuneration paid by the Partnership to the Manager for such services is
included in Item 13, herein and Note 5 to the financial statements included in
Item 14, herein.

     (d) Compensation of Directors

     None.

     (e) Termination of Employment and Change of Control Arrangement

     There exists no remuneration plan or arrangement with the General Partner
or its Affiliates which results or may result from their resignation, retirement
or any other termination.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

     By virtue of its organization as a limited partnership, the Partnership has
no outstanding securities possessing traditional voting rights. However, as
provided in Section 11.2(a) of the Restated Agreement, as amended (subject to
Sections 11.2(b) and 11.3), a majority interest of the Recognized Owners have
voting rights with respect to:


                                      -10-
<PAGE>

     1.  Amendment of the Restated Agreement;

     2.  Termination of the Partnership;

     3.  Removal of the General Partner; and

     4.  Approval or disapproval of the sale of all, or substantially all, of
         the assets of the Partnership (except in the orderly liquidation of the
         Partnership upon its termination and dissolution).

     As of March 1, 1998, the following person or group owns beneficially more
than 5% of the Partnership's 1,380,661 outstanding Units:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      Name and                            Amount                  Percent
              Title                                  Address of                        of Beneficial                of
            of Class                              Beneficial Owner                       Ownership                 Class
------------------------------      ----------------------------------------          --------------             ---------
       <S>                          <C>                                                <C>                         <C>
       Units Representing           Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership
       Limited Partnership                      88 Broad Street                        125,843 Units               9.11%
            Interests                          Boston, MA 02110
</TABLE>

     Messrs. Engle, MacDonald and Coyne have ownership interests in AALP. In
December 1996, EFG purchased a Class D interest in AALP. See Item 10 and Item 13
of this report.

     The ownership and organization of EFG is described in Item 1 of this
report.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

     The General Partner of the Partnership is AFG Leasing IV Incorporated, an
affiliate of EFG.

     (a) Transactions with Management and Others

     All operating expenses incurred by the Partnership are paid by EFG on
behalf of the Partnership and EFG is reimbursed at its actual cost for such
expenditures. Fees and other costs incurred during the years ended December 31,
1997, 1996 and 1995, which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to EFG or its
Affiliates, are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                       1997                     1996                    1995
                                                ---------------          ---------------         ---------------

<S>                                             <C>                      <C>                     <C>
Equipment management fees                       $        81,303          $       181,367         $       189,250
Administrative charges                                   55,668                   36,560                  21,000
Reimbursable operating
        expenses due to third parties                   270,409                  406,871                 176,990
                                                ---------------          ---------------         ---------------

                                Total           $       407,380          $       624,798         $       387,240
                                                ===============          ===============         ===============
</TABLE>

     As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, EFG is compensated
for its services to the Partnership. Such services include all aspects of
acquisition, management and sale of equipment. For acquisition services, EFG is
compensated by an amount equal to 2.23% of Equipment Base Price paid by the
Partnership. For management services, EFG is compensated by an amount equal to
the lesser of (i) 5% of gross operating lease rental revenues and 2% of gross
full payout lease rental revenues received by the Partnership or (ii) fees which
the General Partner reasonably believes to be competitive for similar services
for similar equipment. Both of these fees are subject to certain limitations
defined in the Management Agreement. Compensation to EFG for services connected
to the sale of equipment is calculated as the lesser of (i) 3% of gross sale
proceeds or (ii) one-half of reasonable brokerage fees otherwise payable under
arm's length circumstances. Payment of the remarketing fee is subordinated to
Payout and is subject to certain limitations defined in the Management
Agreement.

     Administrative charges represent amounts owed to EFG, pursuant to Section
10.4 of the Restated Agreement, as amended, for persons employed by EFG who are
engaged in providing administrative services to


                                      -11-
<PAGE>

the Partnership. Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties represent
costs paid by EFG on behalf of the Partnership which are reimbursed to EFG.

     All equipment was acquired from EFG, one of its affiliates, including other
equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, or from third-party sellers. The
Partnership's Purchase Price was determined by the method described in Note 2 to
the financial statements, included in Item 14, herein.

     All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment are paid by the lessees
directly to either EFG or a lender. EFG temporarily deposits collected funds in
a separate interest-bearing escrow account prior to remittance to the
Partnership. At December 31, 1997 the Partnership was owed $67,828 by EFG for
such funds and the interest thereon. These funds were remitted to the
Partnership in January 1998.

     During 1997, the Partnership and certain affiliated investment programs
sponsored by EFG exchanged their ownership interests in certain vessels for
aggregate consideration of $11,565,375. The Partnership's share of such
consideration was $2,018,804, consisting of common stock in Semele valued at
$512,153, a note receivable from Semele of $771,450 and cash of $735,201. For
further discussion, see Note 4, "Investment Securities - Affiliate / Note
Receivable - Affiliate to the financial statements included in Item14 herein and
Item 10.

     Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital
Limited Partnership ("ONC"), both Massachusetts limited partnerships formed in
1995 owned and controlled by certain principals of EFG, own 125,843 Units or
9.11% and 4,452 Units or 0.32% of the total outstanding units of the
Partnership, respectively. EFG owns a Class D interest in AALP and a 49% limited
partnership interest in ONC, both of which it acquired in December 1996.

     On September 30, 1996, the Partnership sold (i) a 23% ownership interest,
representing its entire ownership interest, in a cargo vessel leased by Gearbulk
Shipowning Ltd. ("Gearbulk"), formerly Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S
(the "Vessel"), having an original cost to the Partnership of $1,829,796 and a
net book value at September 30, 1996 of $782,887 and (ii) a 50% ownership
interest, representing its entire ownership interest, in 22 locomotives leased
by Union Pacific Railroad Company (the "Locomotives"), having an original cost
to the Partnership of $4,692,023 and a net book value at September 30, 1996 of
$2,584,785. The Partnership received net sale proceeds of $3,104,537, a portion
of which was used to repay the outstanding principal balance of notes payable
associated with the Vessel of $65,690. The Partnership sold its interests in the
Vessel and Locomotives prior to the expiration of the related lease terms. These
sales were effected in connection with a joint remarketing effort involving 15
individual equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, consisting of the
Partnership and 14 affiliates.

     (b) Certain Business Relationships

     None.

     (c) Indebtedness of Management to the Partnership

     None.

     (d) Transactions with Promoters

     See Item 13(a) above.


                                      -12-
<PAGE>

PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

     (a)  Documents filed as part of this report:

         (1)     Financial Statements:

                 Report of Independent Auditors...............................*

                 Statement of Financial Position
                 at December 31, 1997 and 1996................................*

                 Statement of Operations
                 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........*

                 Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
                 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........*

                 Statement of Cash Flows
                 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995.........*

                 Notes to the Financial Statements............................*

         (2)     Financial Statement Schedules:

                 None required.

         (3)     Exhibits:

                 Except as set forth below, all Exhibits to Form 10-K, as set
                 forth in Item 601 of Regulation S-K, are not applicable.


      Exhibit
      Number
     --------

        4        Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited
                 Partnership included as Exhibit A to the Prospectus which is
                 included in Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-27828).

       13        The 1996 Annual Report to security holders, a copy of which is
                 furnished for the information of the Securities and Exchange
                 Commission. Such Report, except for those portions thereof
                 which are incorporated herein by reference, is not deemed
                 "filed" with the Commission.

       23        Consent of Independent Auditors.

       99 (a)    Lease agreement with Northwest Airlines, Inc. was filed in
                 the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                 December 31, 1990 as Exhibit 28 (b) and is incorporated herein
                 by reference.

* Incorporated herein by reference to the appropriate portion of the 1997 Annual
  Report to security holders for the year ended December 31, 1997 (see Part II).


                                      -13-
<PAGE>

      Exhibit
      Number
     --------

       99 (b)    Lease agreement with Gearbulk Shipowning Ltd. (formerly
                 Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S) was filed in the
                 Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                 December 31, 1993 as Exhibit 28 (c) and is incorporated herein
                 by reference.

       99 (c)    Lease agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company was filed
                 in the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
                 ended December 31, 1995 as Exhibit 99(c) and is incorporated
                 herein by reference.

       99 (d)    Lease agreement with Sunworld International Airlines, Inc. is
                 filed in the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
                 year ended December 31, 1997 and is included herein.

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

     None.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and
on the date indicated.

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                        By: AFG Leasing IV Incorporated,
                       a Massachusetts corporation and the
                       General Partner of the Registrant.


By: /s/ Geoffrey A. MacDonald                  By: /s/ Gary D. Engle
    ------------------------------                ------------------------------
Geoffrey A. MacDonald                         Gary D. Engle
Chairman and a member of the                  President and Chief Executive
Executive Committee of EFG and                Officer and a member of the
President and a Director of the               Executive  Committee of EFG and a
General Partner                               Director of the General Partner
                                              (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: March 31, 1998                          Date: March 31, 1998
      ---------------------------                   ----------------------------


By: /s/ Gary M. Romano                        By: Michael J. Butterfield
    ------------------------------                ------------------------------
Gary M. Romano                                Michael J. Butterfield
Executive Vice President and Chief            Vice President, Finance and
Operating Officer of EFG and Clerk            Treasurer of EFG and Treasurer
of the General Partner                        of the General Partner
(Principal Financial Officer)                 (Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: March 31, 1998                          Date: March 31, 1998
      ---------------------------                   ----------------------------


                                      -16-