<PAGE>   1
 
================================================================================
 
                                 UNITED STATES
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                   FORM 10-K
 
(MARK ONE)
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
 
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996
 
                                       OR
 
[  ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                 SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]
 
        FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ______________ TO ______________
 
                        COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 33-13437
 
                         DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
                       (A CALIFORNIA LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
                                   CALIFORNIA
                        (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF
                         INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
                          23041 AVENIDA DE LA CARLOTA
                            LAGUNA HILLS, CALIFORNIA
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
                                   33-0241855
                                (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
                             IDENTIFICATION NUMBER)
 
                                     92653
                                   (ZIP CODE)
 
       REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (714) 462-9300
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes  X      No ___
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Portions of the registrant's Form S-11 Registration Statement filed June 5,
1987 are incorporated by reference into Part IV of this report.
 
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.     BUSINESS

The Registrant is a publicly-held Limited Partnership organized under the
California Uniform Limited Partnership Act. In accordance with the Partnership
Agreement, the Registrant's General Partner is Del Taco, Inc., a California
corporation ("General Partner"). The Registrant sold 165,415 Units aggregating
$4,135,375 through an offering of Limited Partnership Units from June 5, 1987
through June 3, 1988.

The Registrant has engaged in the business of acquiring sites in California for
the construction of three Mexican-American restaurants for long-term lease to
Del Taco, Inc. for operation under the Del Taco trade name. Each Property is
leased for 32 years on a triple-net basis for a rent equal to twelve percent of
gross sales of the restaurant constructed thereon. The activities of the
Registrant relating to acquisition and development of the Properties is
presented under Item 2 below. The term of the Partnership Agreement is until
December 31, 2027 unless terminated earlier by means provided therein.

Because the three Properties owned by the Registrant constitute virtually all of
the Registrant's income producing assets, the business of the Registrant is
almost entirely dependent on the success of the Del Taco trade name restaurants
which lease those Properties. In turn, the success of those restaurants, which
are not operated by the Registrant, is dependent on a large variety of factors,
including, but not limited to, consumer demand and preference for fast food, in
general, and for Mexican-American food in particular.

The Registrant has no full time employees. The General Partner is vested with
full authority as to the general management and supervision of the business and
affairs of the Registrant, and has a one percent interest in the profits or
losses and distributions of the Registrant. Limited Partners have no right to
participate in the management or conduct of such business and affairs.



                                       2
<PAGE>   3

ITEM 2.     PROPERTIES

The Registrant has acquired three Properties with proceeds obtained from the
sale of Limited Partnership Units:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Date of
                                  Date of           Restaurant         Commencement of
Address          City, State      Acquisition       Constructed        Operation (1)
-------          -----------      -----------       -----------        -------------
<S>              <C>              <C>               <C>                <C>
Orangethorpe     Placentia,       August 5, 1988    60 seat with       March 27,
Avenue           CA                                 drive through      1989
                                                    service window

Lakeshore        Lake Elsinore,   February 1, 1989  60 seat with       April 18,   (2)
Drive            CA                                 drive through      1990
                                                    service window

Highland Avenue  San Bernardino,  December 8, 1989  60 seat with       July 13,
                 CA                                 drive through      1990
                                                    service window
</TABLE>

(1)   Commencement of operation is the first date Del Taco, Inc., as lessee,
      operated the facility on the site as a Del Taco restaurant.

(2)   The restaurant is subleased to a franchisee of Del Taco, Inc. and the
      restaurant operates as a Del Taco restaurant.

                                     PART II

ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Registrant is not a party to any material pending legal proceedings.


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

On July 14, 1994, the General Partner held a special meeting of limited partners
of the Partnership at the Doubletree Hotel, 100 The City Drive, Orange,
California, for the purpose of voting on whether Del Taco should continue to
serve as the General Partner of the Partnership.

A proposal to remove Del Taco as General Partner failed to obtain the necessary
majority vote, receiving only 6.18 percent of eligible votes, and was defeated.
Thus, Del Taco will continue to serve as sole General Partner of the
Partnership, subject to all of the rights and responsibilities set forth in the
Partnership's Restated Certificate and Agreement of Limited Partnership.



                                       3
<PAGE>   4

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED SECURITY 
         HOLDER MATTERS

The Registrant, a publicly-held Limited Partnership, sold 165,415 ($4,135,375)
Limited Partnership Units during the offering period ended June 3, 1988 and
currently has 386 Limited Partners of record. There is no public market for the
trading of the Units. Distributions made by the Registrant to the Limited
Partners during the past three fiscal years are described in Note 7 to the Notes
to the Financial Statements contained under Item 8.

ITEM 6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               For the Year Ended December 31,
                              1996         1995          1994         1993        1992
                              ----         ----          ----         ----        ----
<S>                         <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>     
Rental Revenue              $361,980      $275,561     $273,076     $259,530    $246,973

Interest and
 other income                  1,244         1,193        1,792        2,221       4,097

Dividend Income                   -             -            -            -        1,762

Net income                   219,223       134,697      135,669      127,455     122,755

Net income
 per Limited
 Partnership
 Unit (1)                       1.31           .81          .81          .76         .73

Cash Distributions
 per Limited
 Partnership
 Unit (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
   From operations              1.74          1.45         2.00          .61        1.67
   Return of
     Capital                      -             -            -            -         2.67

Total Assets               2,429,366     2,495,331    2,603,405    2,807,793   2,783,310

Long-term
 Obligations                 137,953       137,953      137,953      137,953     137,953
</TABLE>



                                       4
<PAGE>   5

ITEM 6.     SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA - CONTINUED

(1)   The net income per Limited Partnership Unit was calculated based upon
      165,415 weighted average Units outstanding for all years presented.

(2)   Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1992 amounted to
      $.28 per Limited Partnership Unit and were paid December 31, 1992. Five
      quarterly distributions were disbursed during the year ended December 31,
      1992.

(3)   Two quarterly distributions were disbursed during the year ended December
      31, 1993. Cash distributions for the quarters ended September 30, 1993 and
      December 31, 1993 amounted to $.83 and were paid January 31, 1994 and
      February 2, 1994, respectively.

(4)   Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1994 amounted to
      $.40 per Limited Partnership Unit and were paid January 17, 1995. Five
      quarterly distributions were disbursed during the year ended December 31,
      1994.

(5)   Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1995 amounted to
      $.40 per Limited Partnership Unit and were paid January 17, 1996. Four
      distributions were disbursed during the year ended December 31, 1995.

(6)   Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1996 amounted to
      $.41 per Limited Partnership Unit and were paid January 31, 1997. Four
      distributions were disbursed during the year ended December 31, 1996.

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

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Registrant commenced offering of Limited Partnership Units on June 5, 1987.
By June 3, 1988, the sale of such Units provided a total capitalization for the
Registrant of $4,135,375 including $1,000 attributable to the Special Limited
Partner. 14.5 percent of the cash received from the sale of Limited Partnership
Units was used to pay commissions to brokers and to reimburse the General
Partner for offering costs incurred. Approximately $3,000,000 of the remaining
funds were expended for the acquisition of sites and construction of three
restaurants. During 1989, the first restaurant opened for business. The two
additional restaurants commenced operation in 1990. In February 1992, the
Registrant distributed to Limited Partners of record on December 31, 1991
$442,270 of net proceeds not utilized as reserves and not invested in
properties.



                                       5
<PAGE>   6

Since the three restaurants owned by the Registrant opened, cash flow from lease
payments received from Del Taco, the Registrant's General Partner, which leases
all three restaurants, has provided adequate liquidity for operation of the
Registrant. However, the Registrant's overwhelmingly predominant source of
income to meet its expenses and fund distributions to its Limited Partners is
payments from Del Taco under the Leases, comprising primarily rent calculated on
the basis of the gross sales of the restaurants operated on the Properties, as
to which there are no contractually specified minimum or guaranteed amounts.
Thus, the adequacy of the Registrant's liquidity and capital resources in the
future will depend primarily upon the gross revenues of such restaurants as well
as upon Del Taco's financial condition and results of operations generally.

Results of Operations

The Registrant owns three Properties that are under long-term lease to Del Taco
for restaurant operations (Del Taco, in turn, has sub-leased one of the
restaurants to a Del Taco franchisee). The Registrant receives rental revenues
equal to 12 percent of restaurant sales. The Registrant had rental revenue of
$361,980 for the year ended December 31, 1996, representing an increase from the
rental revenues of $275,561 and $273,076 in 1995 and 1994, respectively. Such
increase is directly attributable to the earning of supplemental rent in the
amount of $87,490.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationship to total general and administrative expenses of items included in
the Registrant's Statements of Income:

                      Percentage of Total General & Admin. Expense

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Year Ended
                                              December 31,
                                      1996        1995        1994
                                    --------    -------     ------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>         <C>   
Accounting fees                      41.12%      41.57%      47.16%
Distribution of
  information to
  Limited Partners                   55.77       55.85       48.84
Other                                 3.11        2.58        4.00
                                    -------     -------     ------
                                    100.00%     100.00%     100.00%
                                    =======     =======     =======
</TABLE>

Operating expenses include general and administrative expenses which consist
primarily of accounting fees and costs of distribution of information to the
Limited Partners. For the years ended December 31, general and administrative
expenses increased from $38,307 in 1995 to $40,251 in 1996 reflecting higher
costs for accounting and administration of the partnership. The Registrant
incurred depreciation expense of $103,750 for each of the years ended December
31, 1996, 1995 and 1994.



                                       6
<PAGE>   7

For the reasons stated under "Liquidity and Capital Resources" above, the
Registrant's result of operations in the future will depend primarily upon the
gross revenues of the restaurants located on the Properties leased to Del Taco
as well as upon Del Taco's financial condition and results of operations
generally.

In Fiscal 1996, the Registrant adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long Lived Assets
and for Long Lived Assets to be Disposed of." The adoption of SFAS No. 121 did
not have a material impact on the Registrant's financial statements.



                                       7
<PAGE>   8

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

PART I.  INFORMATION

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  INDEX                                    PAGE NUMBER
                  -----                                    -----------
<S>                                                             <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants                        9

Balance Sheets at December 31, 1996 and 1995                   10

Statements of Income for the years ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                             11

Statement of Changes in Partners' Equity for
  the three years ended December 31, 1996                      12

Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
  December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994                             13

Notes to Financial Statements                                 14-18
</TABLE>



                                       8
<PAGE>   9

                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                    ----------------------------------------


To the Partners of
 Del Taco Restaurant Properties IV:


We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of DEL TACO RESTAURANT
PROPERTIES IV (a California limited partnership) as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related statements of income, changes in partners' equity 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 Del Taco Restaurant Properties
IV as of 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.


                                        /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
                                        --------------------------------
                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Orange County, California
February 14, 1997




                                       9

<PAGE>   10

                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV

                                 BALANCE SHEETS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                           1996                1995
                                                     -----------------     --------------
<S>                                                  <C>                   <C>
                                         ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash                                                     $   79,857         $   73,542
  Receivable from Del Taco, Inc. (Note 5)                      51,558             20,087
  Deposits                                                        400                400
                                                     -----------------     --------------
     Total current assets                                     131,815             94,029
                                                     -----------------     --------------

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST (NOTE 1)
  Land and improvements                                     1,236,700          1,236,700
  Buildings and improvements                                1,289,860          1,289,860
  Machinery and equipment                                     484,789            484,789
                                                     -----------------     --------------
                                                            3,011,349          3,011,349
    Less: accumulated depreciation                            713,798            610,047
                                                     -----------------     --------------
                                                            2,297,551          2,401,302
                                                     -----------------     --------------
                                                           $2,429,366         $2,495,331
                                                     =================     ==============

                    LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Payable to Limited Partners                              $    3,038         $    1,652
  Accounts Payable                                              3,000                825
                                                     -----------------     --------------
     Total current liabilities                                  6,038              2,477
                                                     -----------------     --------------
OBLIGATION TO GENERAL PARTNER (NOTE 3)                        137,953            137,953

PARTNERS' EQUITY (NOTE 2)
  Limited Partners                                          2,293,656          2,362,487
  General Partner - Del Taco, Inc.                             (8,281)             (7,586)
                                                     -----------------     --------------
                                                            2,285,375          2,354,901
                                                     -----------------     --------------
                                                           $2,429,366         $2,495,331
                                                     =================     ==============
</TABLE>



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



                                       10
<PAGE>   11

                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV

                              STATEMENTS OF INCOME


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           YEAR ENDED
                                                           DECEMBER 31
                                                1996          1995           1994
                                             ------------  ------------   ------------
<S>                                          <C>           <C>            <C>
REVENUES:
  Rent (Note 4)                                 $361,980      $275,561       $273,076
  Interest                                         1,194         1,068          1,592
  Other                                               50           125            200
                                             ------------  ------------   ------------
                                                 363,224       276,754        274,868
                                             ------------  ------------   ------------
EXPENSES:
  General and administrative                      40,251        38,307         35,449
  Depreciation                                   103,750       103,750        103,750
                                             ------------  ------------   ------------
                                                 144,001       142,057        139,199
                                             ------------  ------------   ------------

Net Income                                      $219,223      $134,697       $135,669
                                             ============  ============   ============

Net Income per Limited
  Partnership Unit (Note 1)                        $1.31          $.81           $.81
                                                   =====          ====           ====
</TABLE>



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



                                       11
<PAGE>   12

                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV

                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' EQUITY

                       THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             Limited Partners 
                                       --------------------------         General
                                           Units          Amount          Partner            Total
                                       -------------   -------------    -------------    -------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993                   165,415      $2,668,325          $(4,501)      $2,663,824
 Net income                                                  134,312            1,357          135,669
 Cash distributions (Note 7)                                (332,914)          (3,363)        (336,277)
                                       -------------   -------------    -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1994                   165,415       2,469,723           (6,507)       2,463,216
 Net income                                                  133,350            1,347          134,697
 Cash distributions (Note 7)                                (240,586)          (2,426)        (243,012)
                                       -------------   -------------    -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995                   165,415       2,362,487           (7,586)       2,354,901
 Net income                                                  217,031            2,192          219,223
 Cash distributions (Note 7)                                (285,862)          (2,887)        (288,749)
                                       -------------   -------------    -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1996                   165,415      $2,293,656          $(8,281)      $2,285,375
                                       =============   =============    =============    =============
</TABLE>




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



                                       12
<PAGE>   13

                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED
                                                                  DECEMBER 31
                                                       1996          1995           1994
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                                 <C>           <C>           <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Net Income                                             $219,223      $134,697      $135,669
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
  Depreciation                                          103,750       103,750       103,750
  Increase (decrease) in payable to
   Limited Partner                                        1,387         (583)        (3,780)
  (Increase) decrease in receivable
   from General Partner                                (31,471)         2,909        (1,131)
  Decrease in accounts payable                            2,175           825       -
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------
    Net cash provided by operating
     activities                                         295,064       241,598       235,508


CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Cash distributions to partners                         (288,749)    (243,012)      (336,277)
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash                          6,315         (1,414)      (101,769)
Beginning cash balance                                   73,542        74,956       176,725
                                                    ------------  ------------  ------------
Ending cash balance                                     $79,857       $73,542       $74,956
                                                    ============  ============  ============
</TABLE>



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



                                       13
<PAGE>   14

                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE PARTNERSHIP: Del Taco Income Properties IV (a California limited
partnership) was formed on March 23, 1987, for the purpose of acquiring real
property in California for construction of three Mexican-American restaurants to
be leased under long-term agreements to Del Taco, Inc. (General Partner for
operation under the Del Taco trade name). As of July 13, 1990, all three
restaurants had commenced operation on acquired properties.

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING: The Partnership utilizes the accrual method of accounting
for transactions relating to the business of the Partnership. Distributions are
made to the General and Limited Partners in accordance with the provisions of
the Partnership Agreement (see Note 2).

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation
is computed using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives which are
20 years for land improvements, 35 years for buildings and improvements, and 10
years for machinery and equipment.

INCOME TAXES: No provision has been made for federal or state income taxes on
Partnership net income, since the Partnership is not subject to income tax.
Partnership income is includable in the taxable income of the individual
partners as required under applicable income tax laws. Certain items, primarily
related to depreciation methods, are accounted for differently for income tax
reporting purposes (see Note 6).

NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNERSHIP UNIT: Net income per Limited Partnership Unit
is calculated based upon 165,415 weighted average Units outstanding for all
years presented.

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



                                       14
<PAGE>   15

DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE 2 - PARTNERS' EQUITY

Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, annual partnership net income or loss is
allocated one percent to the General Partner and 99 percent to the Limited
Partners. Partnership gains from any sale or refinancing will be allocated one
percent to the General Partner and 99 percent to the Limited Partners until
allocated gains and profits equal losses, distributions and syndication costs,
and until each class of Limited Partners receive their priority return as
defined in the Partnership Agreement. Additional gains will be allocated 12
percent to the General Partner and 88 percent to the Limited Partners.

NOTE 3 - SITE SELECTION AND DEVELOPMENT FEE

Under terms of the Partnership Agreement, the General Partner is entitled to
receive a fee in an amount equal to five percent of the gross proceeds of the
offering. The fee shall be for services rendered in connection with site
selection and the design and supervision of construction of improvements to
acquired properties. One percent of the gross proceeds of the offering has been
paid to the General Partner. The remaining four percent of this fee shall be
earned at the time the services are rendered, but shall not be paid and shall be
subordinated to the Limited Partners' interests until all restaurants have
opened and the Limited Partners have received certain minimum returns on their
investment, as required by the Partnership Agreement. It is the policy of the
Partnership to accrue the site selection and development fee as an obligation to
the General Partner. No fees were earned for such services during 1996, 1995 and
1994.

NOTE 4 - LEASING ACTIVITIES

The Registrant leases certain properties for operation of restaurants to Del
Taco, Inc. (General Partner) on a triple net basis. The leases are for terms of
32 years commencing with the completion of the restaurant facility located on
each property and require monthly rentals equal to 12 percent of the gross sales
of the restaurants. There is no minimum rental under any of the leases. The
Registrant had a total of three Properties leased to Del Taco as of December 31,
1996, 1995 and 1994 (Del Taco, in turn, has subleased one of the restaurants to
a Del Taco franchisee).

Rental revenue for the year ended December 31, 1996 was higher than 1995 and
1994 due to the earning of $87,490 of supplemental rent, as provided for in the
lease agreements, based on the operating results of the individual restaurants.



                                       15
<PAGE>   16

DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE 5 - RELATED PARTIES

The receivable from Del Taco consists of rent accrued for the month of December
1996 as well as supplemental rent. These amounts were collected on January 17,
1997.

The General Partner received $2,887 in distributions relating to its one percent
interest in the Registrant for the year ended December 31, 1996.

Del Taco, Inc. serves in the capacity of general partner in other partnerships
which are engaged in the business of operating restaurants, and three other
partnerships which were formed for the purpose of acquiring real property in
California for construction of Mexican-American restaurants for lease under
long-term agreements to Del Taco, Inc. for operation under the Del Taco trade
name.

Partners Network Corp., a California corporation ("PNC"), which is wholly-owned
by the same principals who own the Dealer Manager, who was primarily responsible
for selling Limited Partnership Units, is the Special Limited Partner of the
Partnership, as defined in the Partnership Agreement. PNC will monitor the
Partnership investments and perform services in connection with the disposition
of properties in the future. In return for such services, PNC will be entitled
to receive certain subordinated distributions and payments.



                                       16
<PAGE>   17

DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE 6  - INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of financial statement net income to taxable income for each of
the periods is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            1996         1995           1994
                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
<S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>     
Net income per financial statements        $219,223      $134,697      $135,669
Excess book depreciation                     27,151        20,124        19,930
Amortization of capitalized
  startup costs                                --            --          (2,624)
                                        -----------   -----------   -----------
Taxable income                             $246,374      $154,821      $152,975
                                        ===========   ===========   ===========
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of partnership equity per the financial statements to net worth
for tax purposes as of December 31, 1996, is as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>       
Partners' equity per financial
  statements                                    $2,285,375
Issue costs of Limited Partnership
  Units capitalized for tax purposes               579,259
Excess tax depreciation                            (38,569)
Other                                                  --
                                                ----------
Net worth for tax purposes                      $2,826,065
                                                ==========
</TABLE>



                                       17
<PAGE>   18

DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED
DECEMBER 31, 1996


NOTE 7 - CASH DISTRIBUTIONS TO LIMITED PARTNERS

Cash distributions paid to Limited Partners for the three years ended December
31, 1996 were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        Weighted        Number of
                                   Distributions        Average           Units
                                    per Limited        Number of       Outstanding
                                 Partnership Unit        Units        at the End of
Quarter Ended                                         Outstanding        Quarter
                                 ------------------  ---------------  ---------------
<S>                               <C>                <C>              <C>
September 30, 1993                      $  .21          165,415          165,415 
December 31, 1993                          .62          165,415          165,415 
March 31, 1994                             .27          165,415          165,415 
June 30, 1994                              .49          165,415          165,415 
September 30, 1994                         .41          165,415          165,415 
                                        ------                                   
  Total paid in 1994                    $ 2.00                                   
                                        ======                                   
                                                                                 
December 31, 1994                       $  .40          165,415          165,415 
March 31, 1995                             .33          165,415          165,415 
June 30, 1995                              .31          165,415          165,415 
September 30, 1995                         .41          165,415          165,415 
                                        ------                                   
  Total paid in 1995                    $ 1.45                                   
                                        ======                                   
                                                                                 
 December 31, 1995                      $  .40          165,415          165,415 
March 31, 1996                             .32          165,415          165,415 
June 30, 1996                              .65          165,415          165,415 
September 30, 1996                         .37          165,415          165,415 
                                        ------                                   
  Total paid in 1996                    $ 1.74                                   
                                        ======                                   
</TABLE>

Cash distributions per Limited Partnership Unit were calculated based upon the
weighted average number of units outstanding for each quarter and were paid from
operations. Cash distributions for the quarter ended December 31, 1996 amounted
to $.41 per Limited Partnership Unit and were paid January 31, 1997.



                                       18
<PAGE>   19

                                    PART III


ITEM 9.   DISAGREEMENTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT'S GENERAL
          PARTNER

(a) & (b) The executive officers and directors of the General Partner and their
ages are set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name                    Title                                               Age
----                    -----                                               ---
<S>                     <C>                                                 <C>
Kevin K. Moriarty       Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer      50 
                                                                               
Paul W. Hitzelberger    Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and           
                         Franchise Relations/Development                    52 
                                                                               
Robert J. Terrano       Executive Vice President and                           
                         Chief Financial Officer                            41 
                                                                               
James D. Stoops         Executive Vice President, Operations                44 
                                                                               
Janet D. Simmons        Senior Vice President, Purchasing                   40 
                                                                               
Michael L. Annis        Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel       50 
                                                                               
C. Douglas Mitchell     Vice President and Corporate Controller             46 
</TABLE>

The above referenced executive officers and directors of the General Partner
will hold office until the annual meeting of its shareholders and directors,
which is scheduled for the later part of 1997.

(c)   None

(d)   No family relationship exists between any such director or executive
      officer of the General Partner.

(e)   The following is an account of the business experience during the past
      five years of each such director and executive officer:



                                       19
<PAGE>   20

Kevin K. Moriarty, Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Del Taco,
Inc. Mr. Moriarty began his career with Burger King Corporation in 1974 in
Operations Unit Management. In 1983, he was promoted to Area Manager in New
York, and was subsequently promoted to the Regional Vice President, Chicago
Region in 1985. In 1988, he became Executive Vice President and General Manager
of the North Central Division. Mr. Moriarty served in that position until 1990
when he joined Del Taco, Inc. as President and Chief Executive Officer on July
31, 1990. Mr. Moriarty has served as a Director of the General Partner since
1990.

Paul W. Hitzelberger, Executive Vice President, Brand Strategy and Franchise
Relations/Development of Del Taco, Inc. He was appointed to his current position
in December 1995. Mr. Hitzelberger has responsibility for franchise development,
relations and training and will oversee public relations and training for the
corporation. From 1991 to 1995, Mr. Hitzelberger was Executive Vice President,
Marketing of Del Taco, Inc. From September 1988 through September 1989, Mr.
Hitzelberger was Chief Executive Officer of Environmental Marketing Group. Prior
to that, Mr. Hitzelberger was a Vice President of Del Taco, Inc. Prior to
joining Del Taco, Inc., he served as Vice President - Marketing at the
department store division of Lucky Stores, Inc., a major supermarket retailer.
Prior to his position with Lucky, Mr. Hitzelberger held various positions in
marketing and retailing at Wallpapers to Go, Inc., a division of General Mills,
Inc., and Coast to Coast Stores, Inc. a subsidiary of Household Merchandising,
Inc. Mr. Hitzelberger received a Master of Business Administration degree from
Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois.

Robert J. Terrano, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Del
Taco, Inc. From May 1994 to April 1995, Mr. Terrano served as Chief Financial
Officer for Denny's, Inc. in Spartanburg, S.C. From August 1983 to May 1994, he
served with Burger King Corporation, Miami Florida, in a variety of positions,
most recently as Division Controller. Mr. Terrano joined Del Taco, Inc. in April
1995.

James D. Stoops, Executive Vice President, Operations of Del Taco, Inc. From
1968 to 1991, Mr. Stoops served in a wide variety of Operations positions with
Burger King Corporation with increasing levels of responsibility. In 1985, Mr.
Stoops was appointed Region Vice President/General Manager for the New York
region and served in that position until October of 1990. In January of 1991, he
joined Del Taco, Inc. in his current post.

Janet D. Simmons, Senior Vice President, Purchasing of Del Taco, Inc. From 1979
to 1986, Ms. Simmons was with Denny's Inc. She served in the Research and
Development department in a variety of positions until 1982 when she was
promoted to the position of Purchasing Agent. Ms. Simmons was hired in 1986 as
Manager of Contract Purchasing with Carl Karcher Enterprises, a post she held
until March 1990 when she became Vice President, Purchasing for Del Taco, Inc.
Ms. Simmons has a Bachelor of Science degree in Foods and Nutrition from Cal
State Polytechnic University in Pomona, California.



                                       20
<PAGE>   21

Michael L. Annis, Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of Del Taco,
Inc. From 1981 to 1986 Mr. Annis served as Regional Real Estate Manager and
Director of Real Estate Services with Taco Bell, Inc. In 1986 he served as
Regional General Manager with Quaker State Minit Lube. In January of 1987 Mr.
Annis joined Red Robin International, Inc. as General Counsel and was
subsequently promoted to Vice President/Secretary and later Vice President Real
Estate Development/Secretary and General Counsel, the position he held until
joining Del Taco, Inc. in December of 1993. Mr. Annis received his J.D. Degree
from Whittier College.

C. Douglas Mitchell, Vice President and Corporate Controller. Mr. Mitchell
joined Del Taco, Inc. in August of 1994 as Controller and was promoted to his
current position in January 1996. From 1990 to 1994, Mr. Mitchell was a Senior
Audit Manager with Coopers & Lybrand. Prior to 1990, Mr. Mitchell held various
positions in finance and accounting with the Geneva Companies (a subsidiary of
Chemical Bank), Zaremba Corporation (a real estate developer) and The Dexter
Corporation (an international manufacturer of specialty materials). Mr. Mitchell
has a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in accounting from the University
of Southern California.

ITEM 11.  MANAGEMENT REMUNERATION AND TRANSACTIONS

The Registrant has no executive officers or directors and pays no direct
remuneration to any executive officer or director of its General Partner. The
Registrant has not issued any options or stock appreciation rights to any
executive officer or director of its General Partner, nor does the Registrant
propose to pay any annuity, pension or retirement benefits to any executive
officer or director of its General Partner. The Registrant has no plan, nor does
the Registrant presently propose a plan, which will result in any remuneration
being paid to any executive officer or director of the General Partner upon
termination of employment.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

(a)   No person of record currently owns more than five percent of Limited
      Partnership Units of the Registrant, nor was any person known of by the
      Registrant to own of record and beneficially, or beneficially only, more
      than five percent of such securities.

(b)   Neither Del Taco, Inc., nor any executive officer or director of Del Taco,
      Inc. owns any Limited Partnership Units of the Registrant.

(c)   The Registrant knows of no contractual arrangements, the operation or the
      terms of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of
      the Registrant, except for provisions in the Partnership Agreement
      providing for removal of the General Partner by holders of a majority of
      the Limited Partnership Units and if a material event of default occurs
      under the financing agreements of the General Partner.



                                       21
<PAGE>   22

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

(a)   No transactions have occurred between the Registrant and any executive
      officer or director of its General Partner.

      During 1996, the following transactions occurred between the Registrant
      and the General Partner pursuant to the terms of the Partnership
      Agreement.

      (1)   The General Partner earned $2,192 as its one percent share of the
            net income of the Registrant.

      (2)   The General Partner received $2,887 in distributions relating to its
            one percent interest in the Registrant.

(b)   During 1996, the Registrant had no business relationships with any entity
      of a type required to be reported under this item.

(c)   Neither the General Partner, any director or officer of the General
      Partner or any associate of any such person, was indebted to the
      Registrant at any time during 1996 for any amount in excess of $60,000.

(d)   Not applicable.



                                       22
<PAGE>   23

                                     PART IV


ITEM 14(a)(1) AND (2).  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES, AND
                        REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions or are inapplicable, and therefore have been omitted.

(b) No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of 1996.

(c)  Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:

      1.    Incorporated herein by reference, Restated Agreement of Limited
            Partnership of Del Taco Income Properties IV filed as Exhibit 3.01
            to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 as filed with
            the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 1987.

      2.    Incorporated herein by reference, Amendment to Restated Agreement of
            Limited Partnership of Del Taco Income Properties IV.

      3.    Incorporated herein by reference, Form of Standard Lease to be
            entered into by Registrant and Del Taco, Inc., as lessee, filed as
            Exhibit 10.02 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-11 as
            filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 5, 1987.

     27.    Financial Data Schedule.


                                       23
<PAGE>   24

                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.



                                          DEL TACO INCOME PROPERTIES IV
                                          a California limited partnership
                                          Registrant

                                          Del Taco, Inc.
                                          General Partner



<TABLE>
<S>                                       <C>
Date March 07, 1997                       Kevin K. Moriarty
     --------------                       -----------------
                                          Kevin K. Moriarty
                                          Director, Chairman and Chief
                                          Executive Officer


Date March 07, 1997                       Michael L. Annis
     --------------                       ----------------
                                          Michael L. Annis
                                          Vice President, Secretary and
                                          General Counsel


Date March 07, 1997                       Robert J. Terrano
     --------------                       -----------------
                                          Robert J. Terrano
                                          Executive Vice President and
                                          Chief Financial Officer


Date March 07, 1997                       C. Douglas Mitchell
     --------------                       -------------------
                                          C. Douglas Mitchell
                                          Vice President and Corporate
                                          Controller
</TABLE>



                                       24