<PAGE>

                           AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V









                American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership


                Annual Report to the Partners, December 31, 1996
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                     INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARTNERS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    Page
                                                                    ----
<S>                                                                <C>
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA                                                2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                                  3-6

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Report of Independent Auditors                                         7

Statement of Financial Position
at December 31, 1996 and 1995                                          8

Statement of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                   9

Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                  10

Statement of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                  11

Notes to the Financial Statements                                  12-20

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Schedule of Excess (Deficiency) of Total Cash
Generated to Cost of Equipment Disposed                               21

Statement of Cash and Distributable Cash
From Operations, Sales and Refinancings                               22

Schedule of Costs Reimbursed to the
General Partner and its Affiliates as
Required by Section 10.4 of the Amended
and Restated Agreement and Certificate of
Limited Partnership                                                   23
</TABLE>

                                     - 1 -
<PAGE>

                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA


    The following data should be read in conjunction with Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the
financial statements.

    For each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1996:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

       Summary of
       Operations                            1996         1995          1994          1993           1992
-------------------------                 -----------  -----------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>            <C>
Lease revenue                              $3,616,524   $3,993,645   $ 6,528,735   $ 7,108,672    $10,337,733

Net income (loss) before
 extraordinary item                        $2,922,308   $  974,602   $   782,396   $(3,932,716)   $   465,042

 Extraordinary item                                --           --            --       417,451             --
                                           ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------    -----------

Net income (loss)                          $2,922,308   $  974,602   $   782,396   $(3,515,265)   $   465,042

Per Unit:
     Net income (loss)
     before extraordinary
     item                                  $     2.01   $     0.67   $      0.54   $     (2.71)   $      0.32

     Extraordinary item                            --           --            --          0.29             --
                                           ----------   ----------   -----------   -----------    -----------
       Net income (loss)                   $     2.01   $     0.67   $      0.54   $     (2.42)   $      0.32

       Cash distributions                  $     4.18   $     2.00   $      2.94   $      3.25    $      3.69


    Financial Position
-------------------------

Total assets                               $4,266,781   $9,980,073   $14,457,077   $21,676,535    $31,519,800

Total long-term obligations                $  144,594   $2,231,365   $ 4,725,690   $ 7,793,200    $ 9,013,024

Partners' capital                          $3,792,601   $6,952,468   $ 8,884,521   $12,371,274    $20,609,851
</TABLE>

                                     - 2 -
<PAGE>

                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

               Year ended December 31, 1996 compared to the year
         ended December 31, 1995 and the year ended December 31, 1995
                 compared to the year ended December 31, 1994

Overview
--------

  American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") was
organized in 1989 as a direct-participation equipment leasing program to acquire
a diversified portfolio of capital equipment subject to lease agreements with
third parties. The Partnership's stated investment objectives and policies
contemplated that the Partnership would wind-up its operations within
approximately seven years of its inception. The value of the Partnership's
equipment portfolio decreases over time due to depreciation resulting from age
and usage of the equipment, as well as technological changes and other market
factors. In addition, the Partnership does not replace equipment as it is sold;
therefore, its aggregate investment value in equipment declines from asset
disposals occurring in the normal course. As a result of the Partnership's age
and a declining equipment portfolio, the General Partner is evaluating a variety
of transactions that will reduce the Partnership's prospective costs to operate
as a publicly registered limited partnership and, therefore, enhance overall
cash distributions to the limited partners. Such a transaction might involve the
sale of the Partnership's remaining equipment or a transaction that would allow
for the consolidation of the Partnership's expenses with other similarly-
organized equipment leasing programs. In order to increase the marketability of
the Partnership's remaining equipment, the General Partner expects to use a
portion of the Partnership's available cash and future cash flow to retire
indebtedness. This may negatively effect short-term cash distributions.


Results of Operations
---------------------

  For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership recognized lease revenue
of $3,616,524 compared to $3,993,645 and $6,528,735 for the years ended December
31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Lease revenue for the year ended December 31,
1996 includes the receipt of $846,649 of lease termination rents received in
connection with the sale of the Partnership's interest in two Boeing 727-
Advanced aircraft in July 1996 (see discussion below). The decrease in lease
revenue between 1994 and 1996 was expected and resulted principally from primary
lease term expirations and the sale of equipment. The Partnership also earns
interest income from temporary investments of rental receipts and equipment
sales proceeds in short-term instruments.

  The Partnership's equipment portfolio includes certain assets in which the
Partnership holds a proportionate ownership interest. In such cases, the
remaining interests are owned by an affiliated equipment leasing program
sponsored by Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership (formerly American
Finance Group), a Massachusetts limited partnership ("EFG"). Proportionate
equipment ownership enables the Partnership to further diversify its equipment
portfolio by participating in the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing
the general levels of risk which could result from a concentration in any single
equipment type, industry or lessee. The Partnership and each affiliate
individually report, in proportion to their respective ownership interests,
their respective shares of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses
associated with the equipment.

  In 1996, the Partnership sold equipment having a net book value of $4,679,670
to existing lessees and third parties. These sales resulted in a net gain, for
financial statement purposes, of $1,410,867. These equipment sales included the
sale of the Partnership's interest in two Boeing 727-Advanced jet aircraft with
an original cost and net book value of $7,622,493, and $1,188,593, respectively,
which the Partnership sold to the existing lessee in July 1996. In connection
with these sales, the Partnership realized sale proceeds of $1,959,671, which
resulted in a net gain, for financial statement purposes, of $771,078. This
equipment was sold prior to the expiration of the related lease term. The
Partnership realized lease termination rents equal to $846,649, relating to
these aircraft. In addition, equipment sales included the Partnership's interest
in a vessel with an original cost and net book value of $1,829,796 and $782,887,
respectively which the Partnership sold to a third party in September 1996. In
connection with this sale, the Partnership realized net sale proceeds of
$603,243 which resulted in a net loss, for

                                     - 3 -
<PAGE>

financial statement purposes, of $179,644. This equipment was sold prior to the
expiration of the related lease term. The Partnership also sold its interest in
certain railroad equipment with an original cost and net book value of
$4,692,023 and $2,584,785, respectively, to a third party. The Partnership
realized net sale proceeds of $2,501,294, which resulted in a net loss, for
financial statement purposes, of $83,491. This equipment was sold prior to the
expiration of the related lease term. The sales of the vessel and the railroad
equipment were effected in connection with a joint remarketing effort involving
15 individual leasing programs sponsored by EFG, consisting of the Partnership
and 14 affiliates. See Note 3 to the financial statements for additional
discussion of the vessel and railroad equipment transactions.

  In 1995, the Partnership sold equipment having a net book value of $275,880 to
existing lessees and third parties.  These sales resulted in a net gain, for
financial statement purposes, of $680,698 compared to a net gain of $260,462 on
equipment having a net book value of $680,476 in 1994.

  It cannot be determined whether future sales of equipment will result in a net
gain or a net loss to the Partnership, as such transactions will be dependent
upon the condition and type of equipment being sold and its marketability at the
time of sale.  In addition, the amount of gain or loss reported for financial
statement purposes is partly a function of the amount of accumulated
depreciation associated with the equipment being sold.

  The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is
dependent upon many factors, including EFG's ability to sell and re-lease
equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances,
and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at
any given time. EFG attempts to monitor these changes in order to identify
opportunities which may be advantageous to the Partnership and which will
maximize total cash returns for each asset.

  The total economic value realized upon final disposition of each asset is
comprised of all primary lease term revenue generated from that asset, together
with its residual value.  The latter consists of cash proceeds realized upon the
asset's sale in addition to all other cash receipts obtained from renting the
asset on a re-lease, renewal or month-to-month basis.  The Partnership
classifies such residual rental payments as lease revenue.  Consequently, the
amount of gain or loss reported in the financial statements is not necessarily
indicative of the total residual value the Partnership achieved from leasing the
equipment.

  Depreciation and amortization expense was $1,540,402, $3,100,690 and
$5,221,757 for the years ending December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
For financial reporting purposes, to the extent that an asset is held on primary
lease term, the Partnership depreciates the difference between (i) the cost of
the asset and (ii) the estimated residual value of the asset on a straight-line
basis over such term. For purposes of this policy, estimated residual values
represent estimates of equipment values at the date of primary lease expiration.
To the extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease term, the
Partnership continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of the asset on
a straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.

  Interest expense was $73,121, or 2% of lease revenue for the year ended
December 31, 1996, compared to $339,404 and $505,276, or 8.5% and 7.7% of lease
revenue for the years ending December 31, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Interest
expense in future periods will continue to decline in amount and as a percentage
of lease revenue as the principal balance of notes payable is reduced through
the application of rent receipts to outstanding debt. In addition, the General
Partner expects to use a portion of the Partnership's available cash and future
cash flow to retire indebtedness (see Overview).

  Management fees were approximately 5%, 4.7% and 4.2% of lease revenue during
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Management fees
during the year ended December 31, 1996 include $6,065, resulting from an
underaccrual in 1995. Management fees are based on 5% of gross lease revenue
generated by operating leases and 2% of gross lease revenue generated by full
payout leases.

  Operating expenses consist principally of administrative charges, professional
service costs, such as audit and legal fees, as well as printing, distribution
and remarketing expenses.  In certain cases, equipment storage or repairs and
maintenance costs may be incurred in connection with equipment being remarketed.
Collectively, operating expenses represented 12.3%, 5% and 1.9% of lease revenue
for the years ended December 31, 1996,

                                     - 4 -
<PAGE>

1995 and 1994, respectively. The overall increase in operating expenses from
1994 to 1996 was due primarily to heavy maintenance costs of approximately
$272,000 incurred or accrued in connection with the Partnership's interests in
two Boeing 727 aircraft. In 1996, the Partnership entered into a new 36-month
lease agreement with Sunworld International Airlines, Inc. to re-lease one of
the aircraft at a base rent to the Partnership of $14,560 per month (see
discussion below relating to the second aircraft). The amount of future
operating expenses cannot be predicted with certainty; however, such expenses
are usually higher during the acquisition and liquidation phases of a
partnership. Other fluctuations typically occur in relation to the volume and
timing of remarketing activities.


Liquidity and Capital Resources and Discussion of Cash Flows
------------------------------------------------------------

  The Partnership by its nature is a limited life entity which was established
for specific purposes described in the preceding "Overview".  As an equipment
leasing program, the Partnership's principal operating activities derive from
asset rental transactions.  Accordingly, the Partnership's principal source of
cash from operations is generally provided by the collection of periodic rents.
These cash inflows are used to satisfy debt service obligations associated with
leveraged leases, and to pay management fees and operating costs.  Operating
activities generated net cash inflows of $2,745,878, $3,705,226 and $5,509,693
in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.  Future renewal, re-lease and equipment
sale activities will cause a decline in the Partnership's lease revenue and
corresponding sources of operating cash.  Overall, expenses associated with
rental activities, such as management fees, and net cash flow from operating
activities will also decline as the Partnership experiences a higher frequency
of remarketing events.

  Ultimately, the Partnership will dispose of all assets under lease. This will
occur principally through sale transactions whereby each asset will be sold to
the existing lessee or to a third party. Generally, this will occur upon
expiration of each asset's primary or renewal/re-lease term. In certain
instances, casualty or early termination events may result in the disposal of an
asset. Such circumstances are infrequent and usually result in the collection of
stipulated cash settlements pursuant to terms and conditions contained in the
underlying lease agreements.

  Cash expended for equipment acquisitions and cash realized from asset disposal
transactions are reported under investing activities on the accompanying
Statement of Cash Flows. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the
Partnership expended $245,280 to replace certain aircraft engines to facilitate
the re-lease of an aircraft, in which the Partnership has an ownership interest,
to Transmeridian Airlines (see discussion below). There were no equipment
acquisitions during 1995 and 1994. During the year ended December 31, 1996, the
Partnership realized $6,090,537 in equipment sale proceeds compared to $956,578
and $940,938 in 1995 and 1994, respectively. The proceeds in 1996 include sale
proceeds of $3,104,537 received by the Partnership in connection with the
disposition of its interest in the vessel and railroad equipment, discussed
above. Future inflows of cash from asset disposals will vary in timing and
amount and will be influenced by many factors including, but not limited to, the
frequency and timing of lease expirations, the type of equipment being sold, its
condition and age, and future market conditions.

  On November 30, 1995, upon the expiration of its lease term, Northwest
Airlines, Inc., returned a Boeing 727-251 Advanced aircraft (the "Aircraft") in
which the Partnership has a 22.4% ownership interest. The aircraft had a cost
and net book value to the Partnership of approximately $2,421,000 and $337,000,
respectively, at December 31, 1996. The Aircraft is currently undergoing heavy
maintenance expected to cost the Partnership approximately $205,000, all of
which was incurred or accrued during the year ended December 31, 1996. The
Partnership had entered into a 28-month lease agreement with Transmeridian
Airlines effective upon completion of the heavy maintenance.  However, as a
result of delays in completing the heavy maintenance, the Aircraft could not be
delivered to the lessee on the stipulated date, resulting in the cancellation of
the agreement.  The General Partner is currently negotiating a new lease
agreement for the Aircraft.

  The Partnership obtained long-term financing in connection with certain
equipment leases. The repayments of principal related to such indebtedness are
reported as a component of financing activities. Each note payable is recourse
only to the specific equipment financed and to the minimum rental payments
contracted to be received during the debt amortization period (which period
generally coincides with the lease rental term). As rental

                                     - 5 -
<PAGE>

payments are collected, a portion or all of the rental payment is used to repay
the associated indebtedness. In future years, the amount of cash used to repay
debt obligations is scheduled to decline as the principal balance of notes
payable is reduced through the collection and application of rents. The General
Partner may also use a portion of the Partnership's available cash and future
cash flow to retire indebtedness (see Overview).

  Cash distributions to the General Partner and Recognized Owners are declared
and generally paid within fifteen days following the end of each calendar
quarter. The payment of such distributions is presented as a component of
financing activities. For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership
declared total cash distributions of Distributable Cash From Operations and
Distributable Cash From Sales and Refinancings of $6,082,175. In accordance with
the Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership, the
Recognized Owners were allocated 95% of these distributions, or $5,778,066, and
the General Partner was allocated 5%, or $304,109. The fourth quarter 1996 cash
distribution was paid on January 13, 1997.

  Cash distributions paid to the Recognized Owners consist of both a return of
and a return on capital. Cash distributions do not represent and are not
indicative of yield on investment. Actual yield on investment cannot be
determined with any certainty until conclusion of the Partnership and will be
dependent upon the collection of all future contracted rents, the generation of
renewal and/or re-lease rents, and the residual value realized for each asset at
its disposal date. Future market conditions, technological changes, the ability
of EFG to manage and remarket the assets, and many other events and
circumstances, could enhance or detract from individual asset yields and the
collective performance of the Partnership's equipment portfolio.

  The Partnership's future cash distributions will be adversely affected by the
bankruptcy of a former lessee of the Partnership, Midway Airlines, Inc. In 1993,
the Partnership's interests in two DC-9-30 aircraft leased by Midway were
transferred to a designee of the lender in lieu of foreclosure. Although this
bankruptcy had no immediate adverse effect on the Partnership's cash flow, as
the Partnership had almost fully leveraged its ownership interest in the
underlying aircraft, this event resulted in the Partnership's loss of any future
interest in the residual value of the aircraft. Notwithstanding such adverse
impact, the overall investment results to be achieved by the Partnership will be
dependent upon the collective performance results of all of the Partnership's
equipment leases.

  The future liquidity of the Partnership will be influenced by the foregoing
and will be greatly dependent upon the collection of contractual rents and the
outcome of residual activities.  The General Partner anticipates that cash
proceeds resulting from these sources will satisfy the Partnership's future
expense obligations.  However, the amount of cash available for distribution in
future periods will fluctuate.  Equipment lease expirations and asset disposals
will cause the Partnership's net cash from operating activities to diminish over
time and equipment sale proceeds will vary in amount and period of realization.
In addition, the Partnership may be required to incur asset refurbishment or
upgrade costs in connection with future remarketing activities.  Accordingly,
fluctuations in the level of future quarterly cash distributions are
anticipated.

                                     - 6 -
<PAGE>

                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
                         ------------------------------


To the Partners of American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership:


    We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of
American Income Partners V-A Limited Partnership as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related statements of operations, changes in partners' capital,
and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of American Income Partners V-A
Limited Partnership at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

    Our audits were conducted for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.  The Additional Financial Information
identified in the Index to Annual Report to the Partners is presented for
purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic
financial statements.  Such information has been subjected to the auditing
procedures applied in our audits of the basic financial statements and, in our
opinion, is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the basic
financial statements taken as a whole.



                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Boston, Massachusetts
March 14, 1997

                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                        STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                           December 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              1996          1995
                                          ------------  ------------
ASSETS
------
<S>                                       <C>           <C>
Cash and cash equivalents                 $ 1,709,301   $ 1,832,111

Rents receivable, net of allowance for
   doubtful accounts of $5,000                214,338       179,945

Accounts receivable - affiliate               484,358       134,441
Equipment at cost, net of accumulated
   depreciation of $9,264,523 and
   $22,974,327 at December 31, 1996
   and 1995, respectively                   1,858,784     7,833,576
                                          -----------   -----------

   Total assets                           $ 4,266,781   $ 9,980,073
                                          ===========   ===========


LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
---------------------------------

Notes payable                             $   144,594   $ 2,231,365
Accrued interest                                1,836        31,667
Accrued liabilities                            38,430        20,000
Accrued liabilities - affiliate                95,991         9,546
Deferred rental income                         11,664         8,363
Cash distributions payable to partners        181,665       726,664
                                          -----------   -----------

   Total liabilities                          474,180     3,027,605
                                          -----------   -----------
Partners' capital (deficit):
   General Partner                         (1,341,341)   (1,183,347)
   Limited Partnership Interests
   (1,380,661 Units; initial purchase
   price of $25 each)                       5,133,942     8,135,815
                                          -----------   -----------

   Total partners' capital                  3,792,601     6,952,468
                                          -----------   -----------

   Total liabilities and partners'
    capital                               $ 4,266,781   $ 9,980,073
                                          ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

                The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.

                                     - 8 -
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
Income:
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
   Lease revenue                           $3,616,524   $3,993,645   $6,528,735

   Interest income                            133,238      127,593      120,134

   Gain on sale of equipment                1,410,867      680,698      260,462
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
   Total income                             5,160,629    4,801,936    6,909,331
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------

Expenses:

   Depreciation and amortization            1,540,402    3,100,690    5,221,757

   Interest expense                            73,121      339,404      505,276

   Equipment management fees - affiliate      181,367      189,250      274,382

   Operating expenses - affiliate             443,431      197,990      125,520
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------
       Total expenses                       2,238,321    3,827,334    6,126,935
                                           ----------   ----------   ----------

Net income                                 $2,922,308   $  974,602   $  782,396
                                           ==========   ==========   ==========

Net income
   per limited partnership unit            $     2.01   $     0.67   $     0.54
                                           ==========   ==========   ==========
Cash distributions declared
   per limited partnership unit            $     4.18   $     2.00   $     2.94
                                           ==========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>

                The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.

                                     - 9 -
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                   STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                   General        Recognized Owners
                                   Partner     ------------------------
                                   Amount        Units       Amount          Total
                                ------------   ---------  ------------   ------------
<S>                             <C>            <C>        <C>            <C>
Balance at December 31, 1993     $  (912,407)  1,380,661   $13,283,681    $12,371,274

Net income - 1994                     39,120          --       743,276        782,396

Cash distributions declared         (213,457)         --    (4,055,692)    (4,269,149)
                                 -----------   ---------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1994      (1,086,744)  1,380,661     9,971,265      8,884,521

Net income - 1995                     48,730          --       925,872        974,602

Cash distributions declared         (145,333)         --    (2,761,322)    (2,906,655)
                                 -----------   ---------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1995      (1,183,347)  1,380,661     8,135,815      6,952,468

Net income - 1996                    146,115          --     2,776,193      2,922,308

Cash distributions declared         (304,109)         --    (5,778,066)    (6,082,175)
                                 -----------   ---------   -----------    -----------

Balance at December 31, 1996     $(1,341,341)  1,380,661   $ 5,133,942    $ 3,792,601
                                 ===========   =========   ===========    ===========

</TABLE>

                The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.

                                     - 10 -
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                            STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1996            1995            1994
                                                     --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from (used in)
 operating activities:
Net income                                             $ 2,922,308     $   974,602     $   782,396

Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash from operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization                         1,540,402       3,100,690       5,221,757
   Gain on sale of equipment                            (1,410,867)       (680,698)       (260,462)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
   Decrease (increase) in:
       Rents receivable                                    (34,393)        138,583         102,869
       Accounts receivable - affiliate                    (349,917)        222,675        (125,836)

   Increase (decrease) in:
       Accrued interest                                    (29,831)        (28,995)          1,603
       Accrued liabilities                                  18,430           4,500           1,500
       Accrued liabilities - affiliate                      86,445         (18,095)         25,233
       Deferred rental income                                3,301          (8,036)       (239,367)
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

       Net cash from operating activities                2,745,878       3,705,226       5,509,693
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
Cash flows from (used in)
 investing activities:
   Purchase of equipment                                  (245,280)             --              --
   Proceeds from equipment sales                         6,090,537         956,578         940,938
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

       Net cash from investing activities                5,845,257         956,578         940,938
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------
Cash flows used in financing
 activities:
   Principal payments - notes payable                   (2,086,771)     (2,494,325)     (3,585,010)
   Distributions paid                                   (6,627,174)     (2,906,655)     (4,723,313)
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

       Net cash used in financing activities            (8,713,945)     (5,400,980)     (8,308,323)
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents                 (122,810)       (739,176)     (1,857,692)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year           1,832,111       2,571,287       4,428,979
                                                       -----------     -----------     -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year               $ 1,709,301     $ 1,832,111     $ 2,571,287
                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the year for interest              $   102,952     $   368,399     $   503,673
                                                       ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
  During 1994, the Partnership capitalized $517,500 of refurbishment costs
  incurred to upgrade certain equipment, all of which was financed by a
  third-party lender.

                The accompanying notes are an integral part of
                          these financial statements.

                                     - 11 -
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                               December 31, 1996

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS
---------------------------------------------

          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 Geoffrey A. MacDonald,
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").

     Significant operations commenced September 29, 1989 when the Partnership
made its initial equipment purchase.  Pursuant to the Restated Agreement, as
amended, Distributable Cash From Operations and Distributable Cash From Sales or
Refinancings will be allocated 95% to the Recognized Owners and 5% to the
General Partner.  Payout will occur when the Recognized Owners have received
distributions equal to their original investment plus a cumulative annual return
of 11% (compounded quarterly) on undistributed invested capital.

     Under the terms of a management agreement between the Partnership and
AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership and the terms of an identical management
agreement between AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership and EFG (collectively, the
"Management Agreement") management services are provided by EFG to the
Partnership at fees which the General Partner believes to be competitive for
similar services.  (Also see Note 4.)

     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 Equipment 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 (the "Buyer").  AFG changed its name
to Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership after the sale was concluded.
Pursuant to terms of the sale agreements, EFG agreed not to compete with the
Buyer's lease origination business for a period of five years; however, EFG is
permitted to originate certain equipment leases, principally those involving
non-investment grade lessees and ocean-going vessels, which are not in
competition with the Buyer.  In addition, the sale agreements specifically
reserved to EFG the rights to continue using the name American Finance Group and
its

                                      -12-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)


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, including the right to satisfy all required equipment
acquisitions utilizing either brokers or the Buyer.  Geoffrey A. MacDonald,
Chairman of Equis Corporation and Gary D. Engle agreed not to compete with the
sold business on terms and conditions similar to those for the Company.


NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
---------------------------------------------------

Statement of Cash Flows
-----------------------

    The Partnership considers liquid investment instruments purchased with a
maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  From time to time, the
Partnership invests excess cash with large institutional banks in reverse
repurchase agreements with overnight securities.  Under the terms of the
agreements, title to the underlying securities passes to the Partnership.  The
securities underlying the agreements are book entry securities.  At December 31,
1996, the Partnership had $1,515,000 invested in reverse repurchase agreements
secured by U.S. Treasury Bills or interests in U.S. Government securities.

Revenue Recognition
-------------------

    Rents are payable to the Partnership monthly, quarterly or semi-annually and
no significant amounts are calculated on factors other than the passage of time.
The leases are accounted for as operating leases and are noncancellable. Rents
received prior to their due dates are deferred.  Future minimum rents of
$1,657,586 are due as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                           <C>
For the year ending December 31, 1997         $842,868
                                 1998          814,718
                                            ----------

                                 Total      $1,657,586
                                            ==========
</TABLE>

    Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996         1995         1994
                                          -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C>
Northwest Airlines, Inc.                   $1,535,146   $1,487,210   $1,851,216
Gearbulk Shipowning Ltd. (formerly
 Kristian                                  $  905,688   $  957,130   $  953,680
   Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi A/S)
Union Pacific Railroad Company             $  463,087   $  658,318           --
</TABLE>

Use of Estimates
----------------

    The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying
notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Equipment on Lease
------------------

    All equipment was acquired from EFG, one of its affiliates, including other
equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, or from third-party sellers.
Equipment cost represents asset base price plus acquisition fees and was
determined in accordance with the Restated Agreement, as amended, and certain
regulatory guidelines.

                                      -13-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)

Asset base price is affected by the relationship of the seller to the
Partnership as summarized herein. Where the seller of the equipment was EFG or
an affiliate, asset base price was the lower of (i) the actual price paid for
the equipment by EFG or the affiliate plus all actual costs accrued by EFG or
the affiliate while carrying the equipment less the amount of all rents earned
by EFG or the affiliate prior to selling the equipment or (ii) fair market value
as determined by the General Partner in its best judgment, including all liens
and encumbrances on the equipment and other actual expenses. Where the seller of
the equipment was a third party who did not manufacture the equipment, asset
base price was the lower of (i) the price invoiced by the third party or (ii)
fair market value as determined by the General Partner. Where the seller of the
equipment was a third party who also manufactured the equipment, asset base
price was the manufacturer's invoice price, which price was considered to be
representative of fair market value.

Depreciation and Amortization
-----------------------------

    The Partnership's depreciation policy is intended to allocate the cost of
equipment over the period during which it produces economic benefit.  The
principal period of economic benefit is considered to correspond to each asset's
primary lease term, which term generally represents the period of greatest
revenue potential for each asset.  Accordingly, to the extent that an asset is
held on primary lease term, the Partnership depreciates the difference between
(i) the cost of the asset and (ii) the estimated residual value of the asset on
a straight-line basis over such term.  For purposes of this policy, estimated
residual values represent estimates of equipment values at the date of primary
lease expiration.  To the extent that an asset is held beyond its primary lease
term, the Partnership continues to depreciate the remaining net book value of
the asset on a straight-line basis over the asset's remaining economic life.
Periodically, the General Partner evaluates the net carrying value of equipment
to determine whether it exceeds estimated net realizable value.  Adjustments to
reduce the net carrying value of equipment are recorded in those instances where
estimated net realizable value is considered to be less than net carrying value.

    The ultimate realization of residual value for any type of equipment is
dependent upon many factors, including EFG's ability to sell and re-lease
equipment. Changing market conditions, industry trends, technological advances,
and many other events can converge to enhance or detract from asset values at
any given time.  EFG attempts to monitor these changes in order to identify
opportunities which may be advantageous to the Partnership and which will
maximize total cash returns for each asset.

    Organization costs are amortized using the straight-line method over a
period of five years.

Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate
-------------------------------

    Unpaid operating expenses paid by EFG on behalf of the Partnership and
accrued but unpaid administrative charges are reported as Accrued Liabilities -
Affiliate.  (See Note 4.)

    At December 31, 1996, Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate includes $75,189
representing aircraft reserves funded by the lessee and used to pay maintenance
costs which were advanced by EFG (See Note 3).

Allocation of Profits and Losses
--------------------------------

    For financial statement purposes, net income or loss is allocated to each
Partner according to their respective ownership percentages (95% to the
Recognized Owners and 5% to the General Partner).  See Note 6 concerning
allocation of income or loss for income tax purposes.

Net Income and Cash Distributions Per Unit
------------------------------------------

    Net income and cash distributions per Unit are based on 1,380,661 Units
outstanding during each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996
and computed after allocation of the General Partner's 5% share of net income
and cash distributions.

                                      -14-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)


Provision for Income Taxes
--------------------------

    No provision or benefit from income taxes is included in the accompanying
financial statements.  The Partners are responsible for reporting their
proportionate shares of the Partnership's taxable income or loss and other tax
attributes on their tax returns.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
----------------------------------------------

    In March 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No.
121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of, which requires impairment losses to be recorded on
long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present
and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are
less than the assets' carrying amount.  Statement 121 also addresses the
accounting for long-lived assets that are expected to be disposed of.  The
Partnership adopted Statement 121 in the first quarter of 1996.  The adoption of
Statement 121 did not have a material effect on the financial statements of the
Partnership.


NOTE 3 - EQUIPMENT
------------------

    The following is a summary of equipment owned by the Partnership at December
31, 1996.  In the opinion of EFG, the acquisition cost of the equipment did not
exceed its fair market value.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Lease Term    Equipment
Equipment Type                     (Months)      at Cost               Location
--------------------------------  -----------  ------------  -----------------------------
<S>                               <C>          <C>           <C>
Aircraft                               10-72     4,596,188   IL/KY/MN
Vessels                                   57     3,666,680   Foreign
Materials handling                      6-60     1,348,991   CT/GA/IL/IN/MA/MI/MN/NC/NY/PA
                                                             SC/TN/TX/UT/VA/WA
Computers & peripherals                 3-48       579,954   CT/TX/
Construction and mining                 6-60       289,336   IL
Retail store fixtures                  48-56       247,961   CA/GA/IL/MD/MO/NE/OH/OR/PA
                                                             PR/SC/VA/WA
Communications                         12-36       226,017   GA/MO
Research and test                         60       108,304   NJ
Tractors and heavy duty trucks          6-84        54,240   MI
Furniture & fixtures                      60         5,636   NJ
                                               -----------

                        Total equipment cost    11,123,307

                    Accumulated depreciation    (9,264,523)
                                               -----------

  Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation   $ 1,858,784
                                               ===========
</TABLE>

    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

                                      -15-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)


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. In
October 1996, the Partnership filed Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange
Commission which provided a description of the remarketing process and the terms
of sale.

    In 1994, the Partnership incurred and capitalized costs of $517,500 to
refurbish and improve two cargo vessels leased by Gearbulk, pursuant to the
terms of an extended and renegotiated lease contract with Gearbulk.
Refurbishment costs were financed by a third-party lender and shared between the
Partnership and other affiliated partnerships in proportion to their respective
ownership interests in each vessel. One of the cargo vessels was subsequently
sold in connection with the joint remarketing effort described above. The
refurbishment costs for the remaining cargo vessel are being depreciated over 15
years.

    In certain cases, the cost of the Partnership's equipment represents a
proportionate ownership interest.  The remaining interests are owned by EFG or
an affiliated equipment leasing program sponsored by EFG.  The Partnership and
each affiliate individually report, in proportion to their respective ownership
interests, their respective shares of assets, liabilities, revenues, and
expenses associated with the equipment.  Proportionate equipment ownership
enables the Partnership to further diversify its equipment portfolio by
participating in the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general
levels of risk which could result from a concentration in any single equipment
type, industry or lessee.  At December 31, 1996, the Partnership's equipment
portfolio included equipment having a proportionate original cost of $8,502,006
representing approximately 76% of total equipment cost.

    Certain of the equipment and related lease payment streams were used to
secure term loans with third-party lenders.  The preceding summary of equipment
includes leveraged equipment having an original cost of approximately $1,420,000
and a net book value of approximately $247,000 at December 31, 1996.  (See Note
5.)

    Generally, the costs associated with maintaining, insuring and operating the
Partnership's equipment are incurred by the respective lessees pursuant to terms
specified in their individual lease agreements with the Partnership.

    As equipment is sold to third parties, or otherwise disposed of, the
Partnership recognizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the net
book value of the equipment at the time of sale or disposition and the proceeds
realized upon sale or disposition.  The ultimate realization of estimated
residual value in the equipment is dependent upon, among other things, EFG's
ability to maximize proceeds from selling or re-leasing the equipment upon the
expiration of the primary lease terms.  The summary above includes equipment
held for sale or re-lease with an original cost and net book value of
approximately $3,240,000 and $341,000, respectively, at December 31, 1996.  This
equipment includes the Partnership's proportionate interest in a Boeing 727-251
Advanced aircraft (the "Aircraft"), formerly leased to Northwest Airlines, Inc.
("Northwest"), having a cost and net book value of approximately $2,421,000 and
$337,000, respectively at December 31, 1996.  This aircraft was returned upon
expiration of its lease term on November 30, 1995 and is currently undergoing
heavy maintenance expected to cost the Partnership approximately $205,000, all
of which was accrued or incurred during the year ended December 31, 1996.  The
Partnership had entered into a 28-month lease agreement with Transmeridian
Airlines effective upon completion of the heavy maintenance. However, as a
result of delays in completing the heavy maintenance, the Aircraft could not be
delivered to the lessee on the stipulated date, resulting in the cancellation of
the agreement. The General Partner is currently negotiating a new lease
agreement for the Aircraft.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)

NOTE 4 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
-----------------------------------

    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,
1996, 1995 and 1994 which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to EFG or its
Affiliates, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      1996       1995       1994
                                    ---------  ---------  ---------
<S>                                 <C>        <C>        <C>
Equipment management fees            $181,367   $189,250   $274,382
Administrative charges                 36,560     21,000     12,000
Reimbursable operating
   expenses due to third parties      406,871    176,990    113,520
                                     --------   --------   --------
                           Total     $624,798   $387,240   $399,902
                                     ========   ========   ========
</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 revenue and 2% of gross
full payout lease rental revenue 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 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,
Equipment on Lease.

    All rents and proceeds from the sale of equipment are paid directly to
either EFG or to a lender.  EFG temporarily deposits collected funds in a
separate interest-bearing escrow account prior to remittance to the Partnership.
At December 31, 1996, the Partnership was owed $484,358 by EFG for such funds
and the interest thereon.  These funds were remitted to the Partnership in
January 1997.

    On August 18, 1995, Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP"), a
newly formed Massachusetts limited partnership owned and controlled by certain
principals of EFG, commenced a voluntary cash Tender Offer (the "Offer") for up
to approximately 45% of the outstanding units of limited partner interest in
this Partnership and 20 affiliated partnerships sponsored and managed by EFG.
The Offer was subsequently amended and supplemented in order to provide
additional disclosure to unitholders; increase the offer price; reduce the
number of units sought to approximately 35% of the outstanding units; and extend
the expiration date of the Offer to October 20, 1995.  Following commencement of
the Offer, certain legal actions were initiated by interested persons against
AALP, each of the general partners (4 in total) of the 21 affected programs, and
various other affiliates and related parties.  One action, a class action
brought in the United States District Court for the District

                                      -17-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)

of Massachusetts (the "Court") on behalf of the unitholders (Recognized Owners),
sought to enjoin the Offer and obtain unspecified monetary damages. A settlement
of this litigation was approved by the Court on November 15, 1995. The
Plaintiffs filed an appeal in this matter. On November 26, 1996, the United
States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit handed down a decision affirming
the Court's approval of the settlement. A second class action, brought in the
Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Superior Court")
seeking to enjoin the Offer, obtain unspecified monetary damages, and intervene
in the first class action, was dismissed by the Superior Court. The Recognized
Owners of the Partnership tendered approximately 125,843 units or 9.11% of the
total outstanding units of the Partnership to AALP. The operations of the
Partnership were not adversely affected by these proceedings or settlements. On
December 1, 1996, EFG purchased a Class D interest, representing a 49% economic
interest in AALP.


NOTE 5 - NOTES PAYABLE
----------------------

    Notes payable at December 31, 1996 consisted of installment notes of
$144,594 payable to banks and institutional lenders.  All of the installment
notes are non-recourse, two notes bear fluctuating interest rates based on the
London Inter-Bank Offered Rate plus a margin (5.5% at December 31, 1996) and one
note bears an interest rate of 10%.  The installment notes are collateralized by
the equipment and assignment of the related lease payments and will be fully
amortized by noncancellable rents.  The carrying amount of notes payable
approximates fair value at December 31, 1996.

    The annual maturities of the installment notes payable are as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                     <C>    <C>
    For the year ending December 31,     1997   $118,724
                                         1998     25,870
                                               ---------

                                        Total   $144,594
                                               =========
</TABLE>

NOTE 6 - INCOME TAXES
---------------------

    The Partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes.
Accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been recorded in the accounts of
the Partnership.

    For financial statement purposes, the Partnership allocates net income or
loss to each class of partner according to their respective ownership
percentages (95% to the Recognized Owners and 5% to the General Partner).  This
convention differs from the income or loss allocation requirements for income
tax and Dissolution Event purposes as delineated in the Restated Agreement, as
amended.  For income tax purposes, the Partnership allocates net income or net
loss, in accordance with the provisions of such agreement.  The Restated
Agreement, as amended, requires that upon dissolution of the Partnership, the
General Partner will be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount
equal to any negative balance which may exist in the General Partner's tax
capital account.  At December 31, 1996, the General Partner had a positive tax
capital account balance.

    The following is a reconciliation between net income reported for financial
statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:

                                      -18-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           1996          1995          1994
                                       ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>
Net income                              $2,922,308    $  974,602    $  782,396
   Financial statement depreciation
   in excess of tax depreciation            60,169       486,934     1,717,450
   Prepaid rental income                     3,301        (8,036)     (239,367)
   Other                                   (83,593)      274,795       307,965
                                        ----------    ----------    ----------

Net income for federal income tax
-------------------------------------   $2,902,185    $1,728,295    $2,568,444
   reporting purposes                   ==========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>

    The principal component of "Other" consists of the difference between the
tax gain on equipment disposals and the financial statement gain on disposals.

    The following is a reconciliation between partners' capital reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1996          1995
                                          -----------  ------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>

Partners' capital                          $3,792,601   $ 6,952,468
   Add back selling commissions and
    organization                            3,878,114     3,878,114
   and offering costs
   Financial statement distributions in
    excess of                                   9,083        36,333
   tax distributions
   Cumulative difference between
    federal income tax                      1,055,940     1,076,063
   and financial statement income (loss)   ----------   -----------
Partners' capital for federal income       $8,735,738   $11,942,978
 tax reporting purposes                    ==========   ===========
</TABLE>

    Financial statement distributions in excess of tax distributions and
cumulative difference between federal income tax and financial statement income
(loss) represent timing differences.


NOTE 7 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
--------------------------

    On July 27, 1995, EFG, on behalf of the Partnership and other EFG-sponsored
investment programs, filed an action in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Superior Court Department of the Trial Court in and for the County of Suffolk,
for damages and declaratory relief against a lessee of the Partnership, National
Steel Corporation  ("National Steel"), under a certain Master Lease Agreement
("MLA") for the lease of certain equipment.  EFG is seeking the reimbursement by
National Steel of certain sales and/or use taxes paid to the State of Illinois
and other remedies provided by the MLA.  On August 30, 1995, National Steel
filed a Notice of Removal which removed the case to the United States District
Court, District of Massachusetts.  On September 7, 1995, National Steel filed
its Answer to EFG's Complaint along with Affirmative Defenses and Counterclaims,
seeking declaratory relief and alleging breach of contract, implied covenant of
good faith and fair

                                      -19-
<PAGE>

               AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                       Notes to the Financial Statements

                                  (Continued)

dealing and specific performance. EFG filed its Answer to these counterclaims on
September 29, 1995. Though the parties have been discussing settlement with
respect to this matter for some time, to date, the negotiations have been
unsuccessful. Notwithstanding these discussions, EFG recently filed an Amended
and Supplemental Complaint alleging further default under the MLA and the matter
remains pending before the Court. The Partnership has not experienced any
material losses as a result of this action.

    On September 22, 1995, Investors Asset Holding Corp. and First Security
Bank, N.A., trustees of the Partnership and various other affiliated investment
programs, filed an action in the United States District Court for the District
of Massachusetts against Northwest, a lessee of the Partnership.  The trustees
are seeking damages from Northwest and a declaratory judgment concerning
Northwest's maintenance and return obligations for certain aircraft owned by the
Partnership.  In addition to filing its Answer to the Plaintiffs' Complaint,
Northwest also filed a motion to transfer venue of this proceeding to Minnesota.
The Court denied such motion.  The parties have completed the initial phase of
discovery, and motions for partial summary judgment are due on March 28, 1997.
At present, it is not possible to determine the ultimate outcome of this matter.

                                      -20-
<PAGE>

                       ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION


<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

        SCHEDULE OF EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF TOTAL CASH GENERATED TO COST
                             OF EQUIPMENT DISPOSED

              for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994


   The Partnership classifies all rents from leasing equipment as lease revenue.
Upon expiration of the primary lease terms, equipment may be sold, rented on a
month-to-month basis or re-leased for a defined period under a new or extended
lease agreement.  The proceeds generated from selling or re-leasing the
equipment, in addition to any month-to-month revenues, represent the total
residual value realized for each item of equipment.  Therefore, the financial
statement gain or loss, which reflects the difference between the net book value
of the equipment at the time of sale or disposition and the proceeds realized
upon sale or disposition, may not reflect the aggregate residual proceeds
realized by the Partnership for such equipment.

   The following is a summary of cash excess associated with equipment
dispositions occurring in the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         1996           1995           1994
                                    --------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                                 <C>             <C>            <C>

Rents earned prior to disposal of      $17,670,136     $3,959,099     $5,775,059
   equipment, net of interest
    charges

Sale proceeds realized upon
   disposition of equipment              6,090,537        956,578        940,938
                                       -----------     ----------     ----------
Total cash generated from rents
   and equipment sale proceeds          23,760,673      4,915,677      6,715,997

Original acquisition cost of
 equipment disposed                     19,929,876      4,135,962      5,668,026
                                       -----------     ----------     ----------

Excess of total cash generated to
 cost of equipment disposed            $ 3,830,797     $  779,715     $1,047,971
                                       ===========     ==========     ==========
</TABLE>

                                     -21-
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

           STATEMENT OF CASH AND DISTRIBUTABLE CASH FROM OPERATIONS,
                             SALES AND REFINANCINGS

                      for the year ended December 31, 1996

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Sales and
                                   Operations     Refinancings       Total
                                 --------------  --------------  --------------
<S>                              <C>             <C>             <C>
Net income                         $ 1,511,441     $ 1,410,867     $ 2,922,308
Add:
   Depreciation                      1,540,402              --       1,540,402
   Management fees                     181,367              --         181,367
   Book value of disposed
    equipment                               --       4,679,670       4,679,670

Less:
   Principal reduction of           (2,086,771)             --      (2,086,771)
    notes payable                  -----------   -------------     -----------

   Cash from operations, sales
    and refinancings                 1,146,439       6,090,537       7,236,976

Less:

   Management fees                    (181,367)             --        (181,367)
                                   -----------   -------------     -----------

   Distributable cash from
    operations,
   sales and refinancings              965,072       6,090,537       7,055,609

Other sources and uses of cash:
   Cash at beginning of year         1,832,111              --       1,832,111
   Purchase of equipment              (245,280)             --        (245,280)
   Net change in receivables
    and accruals                      (305,965)             --        (305,965)

Less:
   Cash distributions paid            (536,637)     (6,090,537)     (6,627,174)
                                   -----------   -------------     -----------

Cash at end of year                $ 1,709,301              --     $ 1,709,301
                                   ===========   =============     ===========
</TABLE>

                                      -22-
<PAGE>

                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                      SCHEDULE OF COSTS REIMBURSED TO THE
                 GENERAL PARTNER AND ITS AFFILIATES AS REQUIRED
                  BY SECTION 10.4 OF THE AMENDED AND RESTATED
                AGREEMENT AND CERTIFICATE OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                               December 31, 1996



    For the year ended December 31, 1996, the Partnership reimbursed the General
Partner and its Affiliates for the following costs:



     Operating expenses                      $375,916

                                      -23-