<PAGE>   1
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q


 Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
                                     of 1934

                  For the Quarterly Period Ended MARCH 31, 1997

                         Commission File Number 2-82090

                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A California Limited Partnership)

                  I.R.S. Employer Identification No. 95-3778627

                         9090 WILSHIRE BLVD., SUITE 201
                            BEVERLY HILLS, CA. 90211

                         Registrant's Telephone Number,
                       Including Area Code (310) 278-2191



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all documents and
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve 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    X      No
                                   ----         ----










<PAGE>   2



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

                      FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
<S>     <C>                                                                                                    <C>
        Item 1.  Financial Statements

                      Consolidated Balance Sheets,
                              March 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996 .............................................1

                      Consolidated Statements of Operations,
                              Three Months Ended, March 31, 1997 and 1996.......................................2

                      Consolidated Statement of Partners' Deficiency
                              Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 ................................................3

                      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                              Three Months Ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 .......................................4

                      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements................................................5

        Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                      Condition and Results of Operation.......................................................10


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

        Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.............................................................................12

        Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..............................................................12

        Signatures ............................................................................................13
</TABLE>



<PAGE>   3
                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
                      MARCH 31, 1997 AND DECEMBER 31, 1996

                                     ASSETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             1997          1996
                                                                         (Unaudited)     (Audited)
                                                                       ------------    ------------

<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>         
INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS (Note 2)                           $  6,100,502    $  6,051,522

RENTAL PROPERTY, net of accumulated depreciation
    (Notes 1 and 3)                                                       3,114,856       3,158,470

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (Note 1)                                        5,857,977       5,849,983

CASH, restricted (Note 1)                                                    37,500          35,750

OTHER ASSETS                                                                190,644         190,643
                                                                       ------------    ------------

          TOTAL ASSETS                                                 $ 15,301,479    $ 15,286,368
                                                                       ============    ============

                                LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIENCY
LIABILITIES:
    Mortgage notes payable related to properties (Notes 3 and 7)       $  4,886,300    $  4,886,300
    Notes payable and amounts due for partnership
        interests (Notes 4 and 7)                                         5,795,000       5,795,000
    Accrued interest payable (Notes 4 and 7)                              5,727,083       5,650,383
    Accounts payable                                                         71,383          47,372
    Other liabilities                                                        35,750          35,750
                                                                       ------------    ------------

                                                                         16,515,516      16,414,805
                                                                       ------------    ------------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 2, 5 and 6)

PARTNERS' DEFICIENCY:
    General partners                                                       (363,330)       (362,474)
    Limited partners                                                       (850,707)       (765,963)
                                                                       ------------    ------------

                                                                         (1,214,037)     (1,128,437)
                                                                       ------------    ------------

           TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY                      $ 15,301,479    $ 15,286,368
                                                                       ============    ============
</TABLE>





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

                                       1
<PAGE>   4


                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996

                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997          1996
                                                       -----------    -----------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C>
RENTAL OPERATIONS:
     Revenues                                          $   263,374    $   440,999
                                                       -----------    -----------

     Expenses:
          Operating                                        129,761        268,437
          Depreciation and amortization (Note 1)            43,614         99,430
          Interest                                         121,155        213,735
                                                       -----------    -----------

                                                           294,530        581,602
                                                       -----------    -----------

LOSS FROM RENTAL OPERATIONS                                (31,156)      (140,603)
                                                       -----------    -----------

PARTNERSHIP OPERATIONS:
    Interest income                                         63,216         36,205
                                                       -----------    -----------

    Expenses:
          Management fees - general partner (Note 3)       125,274        133,872
          General and administrative                        82,273        103,719
          Interest expense                                 129,913        129,913
                                                       -----------    -----------
                                                           337,460        367,504
                                                       -----------    -----------

LOSS FROM PARTNERSHIP OPERATIONS                          (274,244)      (331,299)
                                                       -----------    -----------

GAIN FROM SALE OF RENTAL PROPERTY (Note 1)                    --        2,050,417

EQUITY IN INCOME OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS AND
      AMORTIZATION OF ACQUISITION COSTS                    149,000        173,000

DISTRIBUTIONS FROM LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
      RECOGNIZED AS INCOME (Note 2)                         70,800         81,302
                                                       -----------    -----------

NET INCOME (LOSS)                                      $   (85,600)   $ 1,832,817
                                                       ===========    ===========

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
     INTEREST (Note 1)                                 $        (5)   $       109
                                                       ===========    ===========
</TABLE>



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

                                       2
<PAGE>   5




               REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' DEFICIENCY
                        THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997

                                   (Unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       General        Limited
                                       Partners       Partners        Total
                                     -----------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                  <C>            <C>            <C>
PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS,
     March 31, 1997                                      16,810
                                                    ===========


DEFICIENCY, January 1, 1997          $  (362,474)   $  (765,963)   $(1,128,437)

     Net loss for the three months
     ended March 31, 1997                   (856)       (84,744)       (85,600)
                                     -----------    -----------    -----------

DEFICIENCY, March 31, 1997           $  (363,330)   $  (850,707)   $(1,214,037)
                                     ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>


























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

                                       3
<PAGE>   6


               REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                   THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 AND 1996

                                   (Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       1997          1996
                                                                   -----------    -----------
<S>                                                                <C>            <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
       Net  income (loss)                                          $   (85,600)   $ 1,832,817
       Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
          cash used in operating activities:
             Equity in income of limited partnerships
                   and amortization of acquisition costs              (149,000)      (173,000)
             Depreciation                                               43,614         99,430
             (Increase) in receivables from limited partnerships          --          (30,000)
             Decrease (increase) in other assets                            (1)       261,096
             Increase in accrued interest payable                       76,700         70,951
             Increase in restricted cash                                (1,750)          --
             Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                    24,011       (115,542)
             Decrease in other liabilities                                --          (97,746)
             Gain on sale of rental property                              --       (2,050,417)
                                                                   -----------    -----------

                Net cash used in  operating activities                 (92,026)      (202,411)
                                                                   -----------    -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
       Distributions to limited partnerships recognized
          as a return of capital                                       100,020         89,850
       Proceeds from sale of rental property                              --        5,883,245
                                                                   -----------    -----------

               Net cash provided by investing activities               100,020      5,973,095
                                                                   -----------    -----------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
       Payment of mortgages                                               --       (5,052,397)
                                                                   -----------    -----------

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND
     CASH EQUIVALENTS                                                    7,994        718,287

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD                       5,849,983      4,895,340
                                                                   -----------    -----------

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD                           $ 5,857,977    $ 5,613,627
                                                                   ===========    ===========


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF
       CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
          Cash paid during the period for interest                 $   174,368    $   272,697
                                                                   ===========    ===========
</TABLE>



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

                                       4
<PAGE>   7


                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

            GENERAL

            The information contained in the following notes to the financial
            statements is condensed from that which would appear in the audited
            annual financial statements; accordingly, the financial statements
            included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the financial
            statements and related notes thereto contained in the annual report
            for the year ended December 31, 1996 prepared by Real Estate
            Associates Limited VI and Subsidiaries (the "Partnership"). National
            Partnership Investments Corp. ("NAPICO") is the corporate general
            partner of the Partnership. Accounting measurements at interim dates
            inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year end.
            The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not
            necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year.

            In the opinion of the Partnership, the accompanying unaudited
            financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting primarily
            of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the
            financial position of the Partnership at March 31, 1997 and the
            results of operations and changes in cash flows for the three months
            then ended.

            USE OF ESTIMATES

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

            PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

            The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Real
            Estate Associates Limited VI and its majority-owned general
            partnerships. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions
            have been eliminated in consolidation.

            METHOD OF ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENT IN THE UNCONSOLIDATED LIMITED 
            PARTNERSHIPS

            The investments in unconsolidated limited partnerships are accounted
            for on the equity method. Acquisition, selection and other costs
            related to the acquisition of the projects are capitalized as part
            of the investment account and are being amortized on a straight line
            basis over the estimated lives of the underlying assets, which is
            generally 30 years.




                                        5



<PAGE>   8



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

            NET LOSS PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP INTEREST

            Net loss per limited partnership interest was computed by dividing
            the limited partners' share of net loss by the number of limited
            partnership interests outstanding during the year. The number of
            limited partnership interests was 16,810 for the periods presented.

            CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

            Cash and cash equivalents consist of unrestricted cash and bank
            certificates of deposit with maturities of three months or less.
            Restricted cash consist of tenants' security and escrow deposits and
            mortgage impounds. The Partnership has its cash and cash equivalents
            on deposit primarily with one high credit quality financial
            institution. Such cash and cash equivalents are in excess of the
            FDIC insurance limit.

            INCOME TAXES

            No provision has been made for income taxes in the accompanying
            financial statements since such taxes, if any, are the liability of
            the individual partners.

            RENTAL PROPERTY AND DEPRECIATION

            Rental property is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided on the
            straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful
            lives of the buildings and equipment. Pursuant to a purchase
            agreement in which the Partnership acquired its interest from
            withdrawing general partners, certain rental property was revalued
            to reflect the purchase price.

            Substantially all of the apartment units are leased on a
            month-to-month basis.

            On February 2, 1996, one of the consolidated general partnerships
            (Drexel Park) sold its property for $6,300,000. After payment of
            closings costs, the Partnership realized a gain of approximately
            $2,000,000 and cash of $830,000.

            IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

            The Partnership adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
            No. 121, Account for the Improvement of Long-Lived Assets and for
            Long-Lived Assets To Be Disposed Of as of January 1, 1996 without a
            significant effect on its financial statements. The Partnership
            reviews long-lived assets to determine if there has been any
            permanent impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
            indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be
            recoverable. If the sum of the expected future cash flows is less
            than the carrying amount of the assets, the Partnership recognizes
            an impairment loss.


                                        6



<PAGE>   9





                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS

            As of March 31, 1997, the Partnership holds limited partnership
            interests in 27 local limited partnerships and a general partner
            interest in one general partnership. In addition, REAL VI holds a
            general partner interest in Real Estate Associates III ("REA III"),
            a California general partnership. NAPICO is also a general partner
            in REA III. REA III, in turn, holds limited partner interests in
            seven local limited partnerships. In total, therefore, the
            Partnership holds interests, either directly or indirectly through
            REA III, in 34 limited partnerships and one general partnership
            which own residential rental projects consisting of 2,832 apartment
            units. The mortgage loans of these projects are insured by various
            governmental agencies.

            The Partnership, as a limited partner, is entitled to between 90
            percent and 99 percent of the profits and losses of the limited
            partnerships it has invested in directly. The Partnership is also
            entitled to 99.9 percent of the profits and losses of REA III. REA
            III holds a 99 percent interest in each of the limited partnerships
            in which it has invested.

            As of March 31, 1997, the Partnership is obligated, if certain
            conditions are met, to invest an additional $90,500 in its investee
            partnerships at various times in the future. This amount has not
            been recorded as a liability in the accompanying financial
            statements.

            Equity in losses of unconsolidated limited partnerships is
            recognized in the financial statements until the limited partnership
            investment account is reduced to a zero balance or to a negative
            amount equal to further capital contributions required. Losses
            incurred after the limited partnership investment account is reduced
            to zero are not recognized.

            Distributions from the unconsolidated limited partnerships are
            accounted for as a return of capital until the investment balance is
            reduced to zero. Subsequent distributions received are recognized as
            income.

            The following is a summary of the investment in unconsolidated
            limited partnerships as of March 31, 1997:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            <S>                                                                 <C>        
            Balance, beginning of period                                        $6,051,522 
            Equity in income of limited partnerships                               154,000 
            Amortization of acquisition costs                                       (5,000) 
            Cash distributions recognized as a return of capital                  (100,020)
                                                                                ----------
            Balance, end of period                                              $6,100,502
                                                                                ==========
</TABLE>
            The following are unaudited combined estimated statements of
            operations for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996 of the
            unconsolidated limited partnerships in which the Partnership has
            investments:


                                        7



<PAGE>   10



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (CONTINUED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997            1996   
                                              -----------    -----------
                     <S>                      <C>            <C>
                     Revenues:                                           
                         Rental and other     $ 5,311,000    $ 5,143,000 
                                              -----------    -----------
                     
                     Expenses:
                         Depreciation             899,000        882,000
                         Interest               2,078,000      1,430,000
                         Operating expenses     2,803,000      3,446,000
                                              -----------    -----------
                     
                     Total expenses             5,780,000      5,758,000
                                              -----------    -----------
                     
                              Net loss        $  (469,000)   $  (615,000)
                                              ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

            NAPICO, or one of its affiliates, is the general partner and
            property management agent for certain of the limited partnerships
            included above.

NOTE 3 - MORTGAGE NOTE PAYABLE

            The mortgage note outstanding at March 31, 1997 had an interest rate
            of 8.78 percent per annum, with principal and interest payments due
            monthly. The note matures in September 2006.

            The note is collateralized by the underlying rental property.

NOTE 4 - NOTES PAYABLE

            Certain of the Partnership's investments involved purchases of
            partnership interests from partners who subsequently withdrew from
            the operating partnership. The purchase of these interests provides
            for additional cash payments of approximately $325,000 based upon
            specified events as outlined in the purchase agreements. Such
            amounts have been recorded as liabilities. In addition, the
            Partnership is obligated on non-recourse notes payable of $5,470,000
            which bear interest at 9.5 percent and have principal maturities
            through December 2012. The notes and related interest are payable
            from cash flow generated from operations of the related rented
            properties as defined in the notes. These obligations are
            collateralized by the Partnership's investments in the limited
            partnerships. Unpaid interest is due at maturity of the notes.



                                       8



<PAGE>   11



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


NOTE 5 - MANAGEMENT FEES AND EXPENSES DUE TO GENERAL PARTNER

            Under the terms of the Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited
            Partnership, the Partnership is obligated to the corporate general
            partner for an annual management fee of approximately .4 percent of
            the original invested assets of the limited partnerships. Invested
            assets are defined as the costs of acquiring project interests,
            including the proportionate amount of the mortgage loans related to
            the Partnership's interests in the capital accounts of the
            respective partnerships. This fee was approximately $125,000 and
            $134,000 for the three months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996,
            respectively.

            The Partnership reimburses NAPICO for certain expenses. The
            reimbursement to NAPICO was approximately $11,000 for the three
            months ended March 31, 1997 and 1996, and is included in general and
            administrative expenses.

NOTE 6 - CONTINGENCIES

            The corporate general partner of the Partnership is involved in
            various lawsuits and have also been named defendants in other
            lawsuits arising from transactions in the ordinary course of
            business. In the opinion of management and the corporate general
            partner, the claims will not result in any material liability to the
            Partnership.

NOTE 7 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

            Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosure
            about Fair Value of Financial Instruments," requires disclosure of
            fair value information about financial instruments, when it is
            practicable to estimate that value. The mortgage notes payable are
            insured by HUD and are collateralized by the rental properties. The
            operations generated by the properties and investee limited
            partnerships are subject to various government rules, regulations
            and restrictions which make it impracticable to estimate the fair
            value of the mortgage notes payable and related accrued interest.
            The carrying amount of other assets and liabilities reported on the
            balance sheets that require such disclosure approximates fair value
            due to their short-term maturity.



                                       9



<PAGE>   12



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL
           CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

            The Partnership's primary sources of funds include interest income
            on short term investments and distributions from limited
            partnerships in which the Partnership has invested.

            The Partnership has committed as of March 31, 1997 to investments in
            limited partnerships requiring additional capital contributions of
            $90,500. The Partnership normally makes its capital contributions to
            the local limited partnerships in stages, over a period of two to
            five years, with each contribution due on a specified date, provided
            that certain conditions regarding construction or operation of the
            project have been fulfilled. The Partnership has no significant
            commitments once the capital contributions have been made.

            RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            On February 2, 1996, one of the consolidated general partnerships
            (Drexel Park) sold its property for $6,300,000. After payment of
            closings costs, the Partnership realized a gain of approximately
            $2,000,000 and cash of $830,000.

            Rental operations consist primarily of rental income and
            depreciation expense, debt service, and normal operating expenses to
            maintain the properties. Variances in rental operations from the
            prior year to the current year relate to the sale of the Drexel
            Property.

            Partnership revenues consist primarily of interest income earned on
            certificates of deposit and other temporary investment of funds not
            required for investment in local partnerships.

            Operating expenses consist primarily of recurring general and
            administrative expenses and professional fees for services rendered
            to the Partnership. In addition, an annual Partnership management
            fee in an amount equal to .4 percent of invested assets is payable
            to the corporate general partner. General and administrative
            expenses are higher in 1996 than in 1997 primarily because of
            expenditures for litigation regarding a dispute with a local
            partnership general partner.

            The Partnership accounts for its investments in the local limited
            partnerships on the equity method, thereby adjusting its investment
            balance by its proportionate share of the income or loss of the
            local limited partnerships. Losses incurred after the limited
            partnership investment account is reduced to zero are not recognized
            in accordance with the equity accounting method.

            Distributions received from limited partnerships are recognized as
            return of capital until the investment balance has been reduced to
            zero or to a negative amount equal to future capital contributions
            required. Subsequent distributions received are recognized as
            income.


                                       10



<PAGE>   13



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL
          CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

            RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)

            Except for certificates of deposit and money market funds, the
            Partnership's investments are entirely from interests in other
            limited and general partnerships owning government assisted
            projects. Funds temporarily not required for such investments in
            projects are invested providing interest income as reflected in the
            statement of operations. These funds can be converted to cash to
            meet obligations as they arise. The Partnership intends to continue
            investing available funds in this manner.




                                       11


<PAGE>   14



                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Partnership's general partner is involved in various lawsuits. None of these
lawsuits are related to the Partnership.


ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

          (a)  No exhibits are required per the provision of item 7 of 
               regulation S-K.



                                       12

<PAGE>   15


                        REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI
                             (A LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)

                                 MARCH 31, 1997


                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES LIMITED VI AND
                                SUBSIDIARIES (a California limited partnership)


                                By:     National Partnership Investments
                                        Corp., General Partner


                                Date:
                                     ----------------------------------



                                By:
                                     ----------------------------------
                                     Bruce Nelson
                                     President


                                Date:
                                     ----------------------------------


                                By:
                                     ----------------------------------
                                     Shawn Horwitz
                                     Executive Vice President and
                                     Chief Financial Officer


                                Date:
                                     ----------------------------------



                                       13