AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP


                Annual Report to the Partners, December 31, 2000






Dear Investor:

We are pleased to provide the 2000 Annual Report for American Income Partners
V-B Limited Partnership, which contains important information concerning the
recent operating, results and current financial position of your investment
program. Please refer to the index on the following page for a listing of
information contained in this report.

If you have any questions about your investment program or, if you would like a
copy of Form 10-K for this program, please contact our Investor Services
Representatives at 1-800-247-3863.

Very truly yours,

/s/ GEOFFREY A. MACDONALD
- -------------------------
Geoffrey A. MacDonald
Chairman and Co-founder




                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                     INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT TO THE PARTNERS




                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.................................................       2

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.....................................     3-8

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Report of Independent Auditors..........................................       9

Statement of Financial Position
at December 31, 2000 and 1999...........................................      10

Statement of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998....................      11

Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital
for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998....................      12

Statement of Cash Flows
for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998....................      13

Notes to the Financial Statements.......................................   14-26



ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Schedule of Excess (Deficiency) of Total Cash
Generated to Cost of Equipment Disposed.................................      28

Statement of Cash and Distributable Cash
From Operations, Sales and Refinancings.................................      29

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........................      30




                             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, 2000:



           SUMMARY OF
           OPERATIONS                     2000              1999             1998             1997          1996
- --------------------------------      -----------       -----------      -----------      -----------   -----------
                                                                                         
Lease revenue ..................      $    68,134       $   165,831      $ 1,323,344      $ 3,033,098   $ 2,823,191

Interest Income ................      $   298,500       $   523,770      $   267,765      $   138,683   $   178,642

Net (loss) income ..............      $  (349,755)      $ 4,431,377      $   580,743      $   717,643   $   710,319

Per Unit:
     Net (loss) income .........      $     (0.21)      $      2.72      $      0.36      $      0.44   $      0.44

     Cash distributions

        declared ...............      $        --       $      0.53      $      0.53      $      0.66   $      2.42


       FINANCIAL POSITION
- --------------------------------
Total assets ...................      $ 8,794,333       $ 9,506,374      $ 8,089,683      $ 5,715,354   $ 7,289,920

Total long-term obligations ....      $        --       $        --      $        --      $    24,608   $   707,842

Partners' capital ..............      $ 8,540,564       $ 8,994,283      $ 5,326,675      $ 5,385,006   $ 5,953,024



                                       2


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

                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000 COMPARED TO THE YEAR
          ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999
                  COMPARED TO THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998

     Certain statements in this annual report of American Income Partners V-B
Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") that are not historical fact constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to a variety of risks and
uncertainties. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results to
differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made
herein. These factors include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the Class
Action Lawsuit described in Note 9 to the accompanying financial statements, the
remarketing of the Partnership's equipment, and the performance of the
Partnership's non-equipment assets.

OVERVIEW

     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. Presently, the Partnership is a Nominal
Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit, the outcome of which could significantly
alter the nature of the Partnership's organization and its future business
operations. See Note 9 to the accompanying financial statements. Pursuant to the
Amended and Restated Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the
"Restated Agreement, as amended"), the Partnership was scheduled to be dissolved
by December 31, 2000. However, the General Partner does not expect that the
Partnership will be dissolved until such time that the Class Action Lawsuit is
settled or adjudicated. The final settlement has not been effected and therefore
the dissolution of the Partnership has been deferred until a later date.

     The Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Act") places restrictions on the
capital structure and business activities of companies registered thereunder.
The Partnership has active business operations in the financial services
industry, including equipment leasing, the loan to Echelon Residential Holdings
LLC ("Echelon Residential Holdings") and its ownership of securities of Semele
Group, Inc. ("Semele"). The Partnership does not intend to engage in investment
activities in a manner or to an extent that would require the Partnership to
register as an investment company under the Act. However, it is possible that
the Partnership may unintentionally engage in an activity or activities that may
be construed to fall within the scope of the Act. If the Partnership were to be
determined to be an investment company, its business would be adversely
affected. If necessary, the Partnership intends to avoid being deemed an
investment company by disposing of or acquiring certain assets that it might not
otherwise dispose of or acquire.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership recognized lease
revenue of $68,134 compared to $165,831 and $1,323,344 for the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The decrease in lease revenue from
1999 to 2000 resulted primarily from lease term expirations and the sale of
equipment. The decrease in lease revenue from 1998 to 1999 resulted principally
from the sale of the Partnership's interests in two aircraft which provided a
total of $24,700 and $970,600 of lease revenue for the years ended December 31,
1999 and 1998, respectively (see further discussion below). In the future, lease
revenue will continue to decline due to lease term expirations and equipment
sales.

     The Partnership's equipment portfolio included certain assets in which the
Partnership held a proportionate ownership interest. In such cases, the
remaining interests were owned by an affiliated equipment leasing program
sponsored by Equis Financial Group Limited Partnership, a Massachusetts limited
partnership ("EFG"). Proportionate equipment ownership enabled the Partnership
to further diversify its equipment portfolio at inception by participating in
the ownership of selected assets, thereby reducing the general levels of risk
which could have resulted 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.


                                       3

     Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2000 was $298,500 compared
to $523,770 and $267,765 for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998,
respectively. Interest income is generated principally from temporary investment
of rental receipts and equipment sale proceeds in short-term instruments. The
amount of future interest income is expected to fluctuate as a result of
changing interest rates and the amount of cash available for investment, among
other factors. Interest income included $88,884 in 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, earned on a note receivable from Semele (see Note 5 to the
accompanying financial statements). The note receivable from Semele is scheduled
to mature in April 2003. On March 8, 2000, the Partnership utilized $5,700,000
of available cash for a loan to Echelon Residential Holdings. The loan is
presented in the accompanying financial statements in accordance with the
guidance set forth in the Third Notice to Practitioners by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants in February 1986 entitled "ADC
Arrangements", and therefore the Partnership does not recognize interest income
related to this loan. (See further discussion included in Note 4 to the
financial statements herein).

     During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership sold marketable
securities for proceeds of $357,680, which resulted in a net gain, for financial
statement purposes, of $143,465.

     During the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership sold equipment to
existing lessees and third parties. The sale proceeds were $19,413, which
resulted in a net gain, for financial purposes, of $16,419.

     During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership sold fully
depreciated equipment to existing lessees and third parties. These sales
resulted in a net gain, for financial statement purposes, of $4,260,478,
compared to a net gain in 1998 of $775,111 on equipment having a net book value
of $873,626. The net gain in 1999 includes $4,080,000 related to the sale of the
Partnership's interests in two aircraft (see further discussion below).

     In 1999, the Partnership acquired equipment for the purpose of re-sale in
the amount of $1,915,822. This equipment was sold in the same year for proceeds
of $1,915,822. In addition interest income of $7,293 was earned by the
Partnership for the period the equipment was held.

     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 for 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 expense was $41,876, $42,304, and $512,339 for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, 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.

     Management fees were $2,002, $6,879, and $64,755 for the years ended
December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. 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.

                                       4

     Write-down of investment securities-affiliate was $349,139 for the year
ended December 31, 1998. The General Partner determined that the decline in
market value of its Semele common stock was other-than-temporary at December 31,
1998. As a result, the Partnership wrote down the cost of the Semele common
stock from $15 per share to $4.125 per share (the quoted price of Semele stock
on NASDAQ at December 31, 1998). See further discussion below.

     Operating expenses were $399,744, $469,519, and $859,244 for the years
ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Operating expenses in
2000, 1999 and 1998, included approximately $41,000, $50,000 and $319,000,
respectively, related to the Class Action Lawsuit described in Note 9 to the
financial statements. Operating expenses in 1999 and 1998 also included
approximately $68,000 and $224,000, respectively, related to the refurbishment
of aircraft engines and engine leasing costs. Other operating expenses consist
principally of professional service costs, such as audit and legal fees, as well
as printing, distribution and other remarketing expenses. In certain cases,
equipment storage or repairs and maintenance costs may be incurred in connection
with equipment being remarketed.

     For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership's share of losses in
Echelon Residential Holdings was $432,651. The loss is reflected on the
Statement of Operations as "Partnership's share of unconsolidated real estate
venture's loss." See further discussion below.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES AND DISCUSSION OF CASH FLOWS

     The Partnership by its nature is a limited life entity. The Partnership's
principal operating activities have resulted from asset rental transactions.
Historically, the Partnership's principal source of cash from operations was
provided by the collection of periodic rents, however, beginning in 1999 the
principal source of such cash resulted from the receipt of interest income. Cash
inflows are used to pay management fees and operating costs. In addition, prior
to 1999, cash inflows were used to satisfy debt service obligations associated
with leveraged leases. Operating activities generated net cash outflow of
$70,569 in the year ended December 31, 2000, compared to a net cash inflow of
$54,253, and $1,187,218 in 1999 and 1998, respectively. The amount of future
interest income is expected to fluctuate as a result of changing interest rates
and the level of cash available for investment, among other factors. Future
renewal, re-lease and equipment sale activities will cause a decline in the
Partnership lease revenues and corresponding sources of operating cash. Overall,
expenses associated with rental activities, such as management fees, and net
cash flow from operating activities also will decline as the Partnership
remarkets its equipment.

     Cash realized from asset disposal transactions is reported under investing
activities on the accompanying Statement of Cash Flows. During the year ended
December 31, 2000, the Partnership realized equipment sale proceeds of $19,413
compared to $4,260,478 and $1,648,737 in 1999 and 1998, respectively. Sale
proceeds in 1999 included $4,080,000 related to the Partnership's interests in
two Boeing 727-251 ADV jet aircraft. 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.

     In January 1999, upon expiration of the lease term, the Partnership and
certain affiliated investment programs (collectively, the "Programs") entered
into an agreement to sell a Boeing 727-251 ADV jet aircraft to the lessee for
$2,450,000. In aggregate, the Partnership received $1,470,000 for its interest
in this aircraft. The Partnership's interest in the aircraft had a cost of
$5,827,110 and was fully depreciated, resulting in a net gain, for financial
statement purposes, of $1,470,000.

     In November 1998, the Programs entered into a separate agreement to sell
their ownership interests in a different Boeing 727-251 ADV jet aircraft and
three engines (collectively the "Aircraft") to a third party (the "Purchaser")
for $4,350,000. In December 1998, the Purchaser remitted $3,350,000 for the
Aircraft, excluding one of three engines, which had been damaged while the
Aircraft was leased to Transmeridian Airlines ("Transmeridian"). (See Note 9 to
the accompanying financial statements regarding legal action undertaken by the
Programs related to Transmeridian and the damaged engine). The Purchaser also
deposited $1,000,000 into a third-party escrow account (the "Escrow") pending
repair of the damaged engine and re-installation of the refurbished engine on
the Aircraft. Upon installation, the escrow agent was obligated to transfer the
Escrow amount plus interest thereon to the Programs. The engine was refurbished
at the expense of the Programs. The associated cost was approximately $374,000,
of which the Partnership's share was approximately $224,000. The

                                       5

Partnership expensed $68,000 and $156,000 of these costs during the years ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

     The Programs also were required to reimburse the Purchaser for its cost to
lease a substitute engine during the period that the damaged engine was being
repaired. This cost was approximately $114,000, of which the Partnership's share
was approximately $68,000, all of which was expensed in 1998 in connection with
the litigation referenced above.

     In addition, the purchase and sale agreement permitted the Purchaser to
return the Aircraft to the Programs, subject to a number of conditions, for
$4,350,000, reduced by an amount equivalent to $450 multiplied by the number of
flight hours since the Aircraft's most recent C Check. Among the conditions
precedent to the Purchaser's returning the Aircraft, the Purchaser must have
completed its intended installation of hush-kitting on the Aircraft to conform
to Stage 3 noise regulations. This work was completed in January 1999. The
Purchaser's return option expired on May 15, 1999.

     Due to the contingent nature of the sale, the Partnership deferred
recognition of the sale and a resulting gain until expiration of the Purchaser's
return option on May 15, 1999. The Partnership's share of the December proceeds
was $2,010,000, which amount was deposited into EFG's customary escrow account
and transferred to the Partnership, together with the Partnership's other
December rental receipts, in January 1999. At December 31, 1998, the entire
amount was classified as other liabilities, with an equal amount included in
accounts receivable - affiliate, on the accompanying Statement of Financial
Position. Upon the installation of the refurbished engine on the Aircraft, the
remainder of the sale consideration, or $1,000,000 and the interest thereon, was
released from the escrow account to the Programs. The Partnership's share of
this payment was $609,504, including interest of $9,504. In aggregate, the
Partnership received sales proceeds of $2,610,000 for its interest in the
Aircraft. The Partnership's interest in the Aircraft had a cost of $6,484,110
and was fully depreciated, resulting in a net gain, for financial statement
purposes, of $2,610,000.

     At December 31, 2000, the Partnership was due aggregate future minimum
lease payments of $91,200 from contractual lease agreements (see Note 2 to the
financial statements). At the expiration of the individual lease terms
underlying the Partnership's future minimum lease payments, the Partnership will
sell the equipment or enter re-lease or renewal agreements when considered
advantageous by the General Partner and EFG. Such future remarketing activities
will result in the realization of additional cash inflows in the form of
equipment sale proceeds or rents from renewals and re-leases, the timing and
extent of which cannot be predicted with certainty. This is because the timing
and extent of remarketing events often is dependent upon the needs and interests
of the existing lessees. Some lessees may choose to renew their lease contracts,
while others may elect to return the equipment. In the latter instances, the
equipment could be re-leased to another lessee or sold to a third-party.

     In connection with a preliminary settlement agreement for a Class Action
Lawsuit described in Note 9 to the financial statements, the court permitted the
Partnership to invest in any new investment, including but not limited to new
equipment or other business activities, subject to certain limitations. On March
8, 2000, the Partnership loaned $5,700,000 to a newly formed real estate
company, Echelon Residential Holdings to finance the acquisition of real estate
assets by that company. Echelon Residential Holdings, through a wholly owned
subsidiary ("Echelon Residential LLC"), used the loan proceeds, along with the
loan proceeds from similar loans by ten affiliated partnerships representing $32
million in the aggregate, to acquire various real estate assets from Echelon
International Corporation, an independent Florida-based real estate company.
Echelon Residential Holding's interest in Echelon Residential LLC is pledged
pursuant to a pledge agreement to the partnerships as collateral for the loans.
The loan has a term of 30 months maturing on September 8, 2002 and an annual
interest rate of 14% for the first 24 months and 18% for the final nine months.
Interest accrues and compounds monthly and is payable at maturity.

     As discussed in Note 4 to Partnership's financial statements, the loan is
considered to be an investment in a real estate venture for accounting purposes.
In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Position No. 78-9, "Accounting
for Investments in Real Estate Ventures", the Partnership reports its share of
income or loss of Echelon Residential Holdings under the equity method of
accounting.

     The loan made by the Partnership to Echelon Residential Holdings is, and
will continue to be, subject to various risks, including the risk of default by
Echelon Residential Holdings, which could require the Partnership to foreclose
under the pledge agreement on its interests in Echelon Residential LLC. The
ability of Echelon Residential Holdings to make loan payments and the amount the
Partnership may realize after a default would be

                                       6


dependent upon the risks generally associated with the real estate lending
business including, without limitation, the existence of senior financing or
other liens on the properties, general or local economic conditions, property
values, the sale of properties, interest rates, real estate taxes, other
operating expenses, the supply and demand for properties involved, zoning and
environmental laws and regulations, rent control laws and other governmental
rules. A default by Echelon Residential Holdings could have a material adverse
effect on the future cash flow and operating results of the Partnership.

      The Restated Agreement, as amended, prohibits the Partnership from making
loans to the General Partner or its affiliates. Since the acquisition of the
several parcels of real estate from the owner had to occur prior to the
admission of certain independent third parties as equity owners, Echelon
Residential Holdings and its wholly owned subsidiary, Echelon Residential LLC,
were formed in anticipation of their admission. The General Partner agreed to an
officer of the Manager serving as the initial equity holder of Echelon
Residential Holdings and as an unpaid manager. The officer made a $185,465
equity investment in Echelon Residential Holdings. His return on his equity
investment is restricted to the same rate of return as the partnerships realize
on their loans. There is a risk that the court may object to the general
partner's action in structuring the loan in this way and may require the
partnerships to restructure or divest the loan.

     As a result of an exchange in 1997, the Partnership is the beneficial owner
of 39,339 shares of Semele common stock and holds a beneficial interest in a
note from Semele ("Semele Note") of $888,844. The Semele Note matures in April
2003 and bears an annual interest rate of 10% with mandatory principal
reductions prior to maturity, if and to the extent that net proceeds are
received by Semele from the sale or refinancing of its principal real estate
asset consisting of an undeveloped 274-acre parcel of land near Malibu,
California.

     In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115,
"Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities", marketable
equity securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value.
During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Partnership decreased the carrying
value of its investment in Semele common stock to $4.125 per share (the quoted
price of the Semele stock on NASDAQ at December 31, 1998) resulting in an
unrealized loss in 1998 of $132,773. This loss was reported as a component of
comprehensive income, included in the Statement of Partners' Capital. At
December 31, 1998, the General Partner determined that the decline in market
value of the Semele common stock was other-than-temporary. As a result, the
Partnership wrote down the cost of the Semele stock to $4.125 per share for a
total realized loss of $349,139 in 1998.

     During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership increased the
carrying value of its investment in Semele common stock to $5.75 per share (the
quoted price on the NASDAQ Small Cap market at December 31, 1999), resulting in
an unrealized gain in 1999 of $63,926. During the year ended December 31, 2000,
the Partnership decreased the carrying value of its investment in Semele common
stock to $3.8125 per share (the quoted price of the Semele stock on NASDAQ Small
Cap market at the date the stock traded closest to December 31, 2000), resulting
in an unrealized loss of $76,219. The gain in 1999 and loss in 2000 were
reported as a component of comprehensive income and loss, respectively, included
in the Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital.

     The Semele Note and the Semele common stock are subject to a number of
risks including, Semele's ability to make loan payments which is dependent upon
the liquidity of Semele and primarily Semele's ability to sell or refinance its
principal real estate asset consisting of an undeveloped 274-acre parcel of land
near Malibu, California. The market value of the Partnership's investment in
Semele common stock has generally declined since the Partnership's initial
investment in 1997. In 1998, the General Partner determined that the decline in
market value of the stock was other-than-temporary and wrote down the
Partnership's investment. Subsequently, the market value of the Semele common
stock has fluctuated. The market value of the stock could decline in the future.
Gary D. Engle, President and Chief Executive Officer of EFG and a Director of
the General Partner is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Semele and James
A. Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG is Semele's President and Chief
Operating Officer. Mr. Engle and Mr. Coyne are both members of the Board of
Directors of, and own significant stock in, Semele.

     In April 1999, the Partnership purchased marketable securities in the
amount of $214,215. The Partnership increased the carrying value of its
investment in these securities based on the quoted price of the securities on
the New York Stock Exchange at December 31, 1999, resulting in an unrealized
gain for the year ended December 31, 1999 of $27,745. The securities were sold
in March 2000 for proceeds of $357,680 resulting in a realized gain, for
financial statement purposes, of $143,465. The unrealized gain, recorded during
1999, was


                                       7


reversed in 2000 when the securities were sold. The unrealized gain and the
subsequent reversal were reported as a component of comprehensive income and
loss in 1999 and 2000, respectively, included in the Statement of Changes in
Partners Capital. In addition, in 1999 the Partnership acquired equipment for
the purpose of re-sale in the amount of $1,915,822. This equipment was
subsequently sold in 1999.

     There are no formal restrictions under the Restated Agreement, as amended,
that materially limit the Partnership's ability to pay cash distributions,
except that the General Partner may suspend or limit cash distributions to
ensure that the Partnership maintains sufficient working capital reserves to
cover, among other things, operating costs and potential expenditures, such as
refurbishment costs to remarket equipment upon lease expiration. In addition to
the need for funds in connection with the Class Action Lawsuit, liquidity is
especially important as the Partnership matures and sells equipment, because the
remaining equipment base consists of fewer revenue-producing assets that are
available to cover prospective cash disbursements. Insufficient liquidity could
inhibit the Partnership's ability to sustain its operations or maximize the
realization of proceeds from remarketing its remaining assets.

     Cash distributions to the General Partner and Recognized Owners had been
declared and generally paid within fifteen days following the end of each
calendar quarter. The payment of such distributions is reported under financing
activities on the accompanying Statement of Cash Flows. No cash distributions
were declared for the year ended December 31, 2000, however, the 1999 fourth
quarter cash distribution of $213,860 was paid in January 2000. In any given
year, it is possible that Recognized Owners will be allocated taxable income in
excess of distributed cash. This discrepancy between tax obligations and cash
distributions may or may not continue in the future, and cash may or may not be
available for distribution to the Recognized Owners adequate to cover any tax
obligation.

     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, the residual value realized for each asset at its
disposal date and the performance of the Partnership's non-equipment assets.

     The Partnership's capital account balances for federal income tax and for
financial reporting purposes are different primarily due to differing treatments
of income and expense items for income tax purposes in comparison to financial
reporting purposes (generally referred to as permanent or timing differences;
see Note 8 to the accompanying financial statements). For instance, selling
commissions and organization and offering costs pertaining to syndication of the
Partnership's limited partnership units are not deductible for federal income
tax purposes, but are recorded as a reduction of partners' capital for financial
reporting purposes. Therefore, such differences are permanent differences
between capital accounts for financial reporting and federal income tax
purposes. Other differences between the bases of capital accounts for federal
income tax and financial reporting purposes occur due to timing differences.
Such items consist of the cumulative difference between income or loss for tax
purposes and financial statement income or loss and the treatment of unrealized
gains or losses on investment securities for book and tax purposes. The
principal components of the cumulative difference between financial statement
income or loss and tax income or loss result from different depreciation
policies for book and tax purposes and different treatment for book and tax
purposes related to the real estate venture.

     For financial reporting purposes, the General Partner has accumulated a
capital deficit at December 31, 2000. This is the result of aggregate cash
distributions to the General Partner being in excess of its capital contribution
of $1,000 and its allocation of financial statement net income or loss.
Ultimately, the existence of a capital deficit for the General Partner for
financial reporting purposes is not indicative of any further capital
obligations to the Partnership by the General Partner. The Restated Agreement,
as amended, requires that upon the 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, 2000, the General Partner had a positive tax capital account
balance.

     The outcome of the Class Action Lawsuit described in Note 9 to the
accompanying financial statements will be the principal factor in determining
the future of the Partnership's operations. The proposed settlement to that
lawsuit, if effected, will materially change the future organizational structure
and business interests of the Partnership, as well as its cash distribution
policies. In addition, commencing with the first quarter of 2000, the General
Partner suspended the payment of quarterly cash distributions pending final
resolution of the Class Action Lawsuit. Accordingly, future cash distributions
are not expected to be paid until the Class Action Lawsuit is settled or
adjudicated.


                                       8



                         REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

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

We have audited the accompanying statements of financial position of American
Income Partners V-B Limited Partnership, as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, 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, 2000. 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. The consolidated financial statements of Echelon Residential
Holdings LLC, (a limited liability company to which the Partnership has loaned
$5,700,000), have been audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished
to us; insofar as our opinion on the financial statements relates to data
included for Echelon Residential Holdings LLC, it is based solely on their
report.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. 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, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the
financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects,
the financial position of American Income Partners V-B Limited Partnership at
December 31, 2000 and 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2000, in conformity
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

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.



                                               /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Tampa, Florida
March 30, 2001


                                       9


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                         STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
                           DECEMBER 31, 2000 AND 1999



                                                                        2000               1999
                                                                    ------------       ------------
                                                                                 
ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents ....................................      $  2,400,126       $  8,007,462
Rents receivable .............................................                --              4,251
Accounts receivable - affiliate ..............................             5,993             10,747
Investment in real estate venture ............................         5,267,349                 --
Note receivable - affiliate ..................................           888,844            888,844
Investment securities - affiliate - at fair market value .....           149,980            226,199
Marketable securities ........................................                --            241,960
Equipment at cost, net of accumulated
    depreciation of $247,230 and $330,707
    at December 31, 2000 and 1999, respectively ..............            82,041            126,911
                                                                    ------------       ------------
        Total assets .........................................      $  8,794,333       $  9,506,374
                                                                    ============       ============


LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

Accrued liabilities ..........................................      $    239,069       $    285,939
Accrued liabilities - affiliate ..............................            13,701              6,315
Other liabilities ............................................               999              5,977
Cash distributions payable to partners .......................                --            213,860
                                                                    ------------       ------------
        Total liabilities ....................................           253,769            512,091
                                                                    ------------       ------------
Partners' capital (deficit):
    General Partner ..........................................        (1,289,507)        (1,266,821)
    Limited Partnership Interests
    (1,547,930 Units; initial purchase price of $25 each) ....         9,830,071         10,261,104
                                                                    ------------       ------------
        Total partners' capital ..............................         8,540,564          8,994,283
                                                                    ------------       ------------
        Total liabilities and partners' capital ..............      $  8,794,333       $  9,506,374
                                                                    ============       ============


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

                                       10


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                             STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



                                                                  2000             1999            1998
                                                               ----------       ----------      ----------
                                                                                       
Income:
     Lease revenue ......................................      $   68,134       $  165,831      $1,323,344
     Interest income ....................................         209,616          434,886         178,881
     Interest income - affiliate ........................          88,884           88,884          88,884
     Gain on sale of marketable securities ..............         143,465               --              --
     Gain on sale of equipment ..........................          16,419        4,260,478         775,111
                                                               ----------       ----------      ----------
         Total income ...................................         526,518        4,950,079       2,366,220
                                                               ----------       ----------      ----------

Expenses:

Depreciation ............................................          41,876           42,304         512,339
     Equipment management fees - affiliate ..............           2,002            6,879          64,755
     Write-down of investment securities - affiliate ....              --               --         349,139
     Operating expenses - affiliate .....................         399,744          469,519         859,244
     Partnership's share of unconsolidated
         real estate venture's loss .....................         432,651               --              --
                                                               ----------       ----------      ----------
         Total expenses .................................         876,273          518,702       1,785,477
                                                               ----------       ----------      ----------

Net (loss) income .......................................      $ (349,755)      $4,431,377      $  580,743
                                                               ==========       ==========      ==========

Net (loss) income
     per limited partnership unit .......................      $    (0.21)      $     2.72      $     0.36
                                                               ==========       ==========      ==========
Cash distributions declared
     per limited partnership unit .......................      $       --       $     0.53      $     0.53
                                                               ==========       ==========      ==========


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


                                       11


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                    STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS' CAPITAL
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



                                                                GENERAL                 RECOGNIZED OWNERS
                                                                PARTNER            --------------------------
                                                                AMOUNT               UNITS           AMOUNT             TOTAL
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
                                                                                                         
Balance at December 31, 1997 ..........................      $ (1,447,285)         1,547,930      $  6,832,291       $  5,385,006
     Net income - 1998 ................................            29,037                 --           551,706            580,743
     Unrealized loss on investment securities -
         affiliate ....................................            (6,639)                --          (126,134)          (132,773)
     Less: Reclassification adjustment for write-
         down of investment securities - affiliate ....            17,457                 --           331,682            349,139
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
     Comprehensive income ............................            39,855                 --           757,254            797,109
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
     Cash distributions declared .....................           (42,772)                --          (812,668)          (855,440)
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------

Balance at December 31, 1998 ..........................        (1,450,202)         1,547,930         6,776,877          5,326,675
     Net income - 1999 ................................           221,569                 --         4,209,808          4,431,377
     Unrealized gain on investment securities -
     affiliate and marketable securities ..............             4,584                 --            87,087             91,671
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
     Comprehensive income .............................           226,153                 --         4,296,895          4,523,048
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
     Cash distributions declared ......................           (42,772)                --          (812,668)          (855,440)
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------

Balance at December 31, 1999 ..........................        (1,266,821)         1,547,930        10,261,104          8,994,283
    Net loss - 2000 ...................................           (17,488)                --          (332,267)          (349,755)
    Less:  Reclassification adjustment for sale
       of marketable securities .......................            (1,387)                --           (26,358)           (27,745)
    Unrealized loss on investment securities -
       affiliate ......................................            (3,811)                --           (72,408)           (76,219)
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
    Comprehensive loss ................................           (22,686)                --          (431,033)          (453,719)
                                                             ------------          ---------      ------------       ------------
    Balance at December 31, 2000 ......................      $ (1,289,507)         1,547,930      $  9,830,071       $  8,540,564
                                                             ============          =========      ============       ============


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

                                       12


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998



                                                                         2000              1999              1998
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                                                                
Cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities:
Net (loss) income .............................................      $  (349,755)      $ 4,431,377       $   580,743
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
   to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
       Depreciation ...........................................           41,876            42,304           512,339
       Gain on sale of marketable securities ..................         (143,465)               --                --
       Gain on sale of equipment ..............................          (16,419)       (4,260,478)         (775,111)
       Write-down of investment securities - affiliate ........               --                --           349,139
       Partnership's share of unconsolidated real
                 estate venture's loss ........................          432,651                --                --
Changes in assets and liabilities:
     Decrease (increase) in:
       Rents receivable .......................................            4,251            (1,273)            1,585
       Accounts receivable - affiliate ........................            4,754         2,093,240        (1,938,745)
     Increase (decrease) in:
       Accrued interest .......................................               --                --              (209)
       Accrued liabilities ....................................          (46,870)         (218,961)          495,700
       Accrued liabilities - affiliate ........................            7,386            (3,233)          (17,205)
       Deferred rental income .................................               --           (24,700)          (31,018)
           Other liabilities ..................................           (4,978)       (2,004,023)        2,010,000
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------
          Net cash (used in) provided by
              operating activities ............................          (70,569)           54,253         1,187,218
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------

Cash flows (used in) provided by investing activities:
     Purchase of marketable securities ........................               --          (214,215)               --
     Proceeds from sale of marketable securities ..............          357,680                --                --
     Purchase of equipment held for re-sale ...................               --        (1,915,822)               --
     Proceeds from equipment held for re-sale .................               --         1,915,822                --
     Proceeds from equipment sales ............................           19,413         4,260,478         1,648,737
     Investment in real estate venture ........................       (5,700,000)               --                --
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------
         Net cash (used in) provided by
             investing activities .............................       (5,322,907)        4,046,263         1,648,737
                                                                                       -----------       -----------

Cash flows used in financing activities:
     Principal payments - notes payable .......................               --                --           (24,608)
     Distributions paid .......................................         (213,860)         (855,440)         (855,440)
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------
          Net cash used in financing activities ...............         (213,860)         (855,440)         (880,048)
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents ..........       (5,607,336)        3,245,076         1,955,907
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ................        8,007,462         4,762,386         2,806,479
                                                                     -----------       -----------       -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ......................      $ 2,400,126       $ 8,007,462       $ 4,762,386
                                                                     ===========       ===========       ===========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
     Cash paid during the year for interest ...................      $        --       $        --       $       209
                                                                     ===========       ===========       ===========

     Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:

         See Notes 5 and 6 to the financial statements regarding the
     Partnership's carrying value of its investment securities - affiliate and
     marketable securities.



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


                                       13


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                DECEMBER 31, 2000

NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND PARTNERSHIP MATTERS

     American Income Partners V-B Limited Partnership (the "Partnership") was
organized as a limited partnership under the Massachusetts Uniform Limited
Partnership Act (the "Uniform Act") on September 29, 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 December 27, 1989, the
Partnership issued 1,547,930 units, representing assignments of limited
partnership interests (the "Units"), to 2,402 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 and an affiliate of Equis Financial
Group Limited Partnership (formerly known as American Finance Group), a
Massachusetts limited partnership ("EFG"). The common stock of the General
Partner is owned by AF/AIP Programs Limited Partnership, of which EFG and a
wholly-owned subsidiary are the 99% limited partners and AFG Programs, Inc.,
which is wholly-owned by EFG, is the 1% general partner. The General Partner is
not required to make any other capital contributions except as may be required
under the Uniform Act and Section 6.1(b) of the Amended and Restated Agreement
and Certificate of Limited Partnership (the "Restated Agreement, as amended").

     Significant operations commenced December 28, 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.

     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 (see Note 7).

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

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

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


                                       14


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE 2 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

CASH

     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 federal agency
discount notes and in 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, 2000, the Partnership had $2,275,821 invested in federal agency
discount notes, repurchase agreements secured by U.S. Treasury Bills or
interests in U.S. Government securities, or other highly liquid overnight
investments.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

     Effective January 1, 2000, the Partnership adopted the provisions of
Securities Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin 101, "Revenue
Recognition in Financial Statements" ("SAB No. 101"). SAB No. 101 provides
guidance for the recognition, presentation and disclosure of revenue in
financial statements. The adoption of SAB No. 101 had no impact on the
Partnership's financial statements.

     Rents are payable to the Partnership monthly or quarterly 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. In certain instances, the
Partnership may enter renewal or re-lease agreements which expire beyond the
Partnership's anticipated dissolution date. This circumstance is not expected to
prevent the orderly wind-up of the Partnership's business activities as the
General Partner and EFG would seek to sell the then-remaining equipment assets
either to the lessee or to a third party, taking into consideration the amount
of future noncancellable rental payments associated with the attendant lease
agreements. See also Note 9 regarding the Class Action Lawsuit. Future minimum
rents of $91,200 are due as follows:

        For the year ending December 31, 2001..............    $ 45,600
                                         2002..............      45,600
                                                               --------

                                         Total.............    $ 91,200
                                                               ========

     Revenue from major individual lessees which accounted for 10% or more of
lease revenue during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998 are as
follows:



                                                  2000          1999          1998
                                                --------      --------      --------
                                                                   
Conwell Corporation ......................      $ 46,825      $ 47,071      $     --
Ford Motor Company .......................      $  9,732      $ 32,208      $     --
Sunworld International Airlines, Inc. ....      $     --      $ 24,700      $468,000
American National Can Company ............      $     --      $ 20,435      $     --
Transmeridian Airlines ...................      $     --      $     --      $502,600



                                       15


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

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 or from
third-party sellers. Equipment Cost means the actual cost paid by the
Partnership to acquire the equipment, including acquisition fees. Where
equipment was acquired from EFG or an Affiliate, Equipment Cost reflects the
actual price paid for the equipment by EFG or the Affiliate plus all actual
costs incurred by EFG or the Affiliate while carrying the equipment, including
all liens and encumbrances, less the amount of all primary term rents earned by
EFG or the Affiliate prior to selling the equipment. Where the seller of the
equipment was a third party, Equipment Cost reflects the seller's invoice price.

DEPRECIATION

     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.

INVESTMENT SECURITIES - AFFILIATE - AT FAIR MARKET VALUE AND MARKETABLE
SECURITIES

     The Partnership's investments in Semele Group Inc. and marketable
securities are considered to be available-for-sale and as such are carried at
fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported as a separate component of
Partner's Capital. Other-than-temporary declines in market value are recorded as
write-down of investment in the Statement of Operations (see Note 5). Unrealized
gains or losses on the Partnership's available-for-sale securities are required
to be included in comprehensive income.

REAL ESTATE LOAN

     The Partnership accounts for the loan to a real estate company using the
guidance set forth in the Third Notice to Practitioners by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA") in February 1986 entitled
"ADC Arrangements" (the "Third Notice"). The Partnership has evaluated this loan
and has determined that real estate accounting is appropriate. This
determination affects the Partnership's balance sheet classification of the loan
and the recognition of revenues derived therefrom. The Third Notice was issued
to address those real estate acquisition, development and construction
arrangements where a lender has virtually the same risk and potential rewards as
those of owners or joint ventures. Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") 86-21,
"Application of the


                                       16


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

AICPA Notice to Practitioners regarding Acquisition, Development and
Construction Arrangements to Acquisition of an Operating Property" expanded the
applicability of the Third Notice to entities other than financial institutions.

      Based on the applicability of the Third Notice, EITF 86-21 and
consideration of the economic substance of the transaction, the loan is
considered to be an investment in a real estate venture for accounting purposes.
In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Position No. 78-9, "Accounting
for Investments in Real Estate Ventures", the Partnership reports its share of
income or loss of the real estate company under the equity method of accounting.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The carrying value of long-lived assets, including equipment and the real estate
loan, will be reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the recorded value cannot be recovered from
undiscounted future cash flows.

ACCRUED LIABILITIES - AFFILIATE

     Unpaid operating expenses paid by EFG on behalf of the Partnership and
accrued but unpaid administrative charges and management fees are reported as
Accrued Liabilities - Affiliate (see Note 7).

CONTINGENCIES

     The Partnership's policy is to recognize a liability for goods and services
during the period when the goods or services are received. To the extent that
the Partnership has a contingent liability, meaning generally a liability the
payment of which is subject to the outcome of a future event, the Partnership
recognizes a liability in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 5 "Accounting for Contingencies" ("SFAS No. 5"). SFAS No. 5
requires the recognition of contingent liabilities when the amount of liability
can be reasonably estimated and the liability is probable.

     The Partnership is a Nominal Defendant in a Class Action Lawsuit. In 1998,
a settlement proposal to resolve that litigation was negotiated and remains
pending (See Note 9). The Partnership's estimated exposure for costs anticipated
to be incurred in pursuing the settlement proposal is approximately $410,000
consisting principally of legal fees and other professional service costs. These
costs are expected to be incurred regardless of whether the proposed settlement
ultimately is effected and, therefore, the Partnership expensed approximately
$319,000 of these costs in 1998, following the Court's approval of the
settlement plan. The cost estimate is subject to change and is monitored by the
General Partner based upon the progress of the settlement proposal and other
pertinent information. As a result, the Partnership expensed additional amounts
of approximately $41,000 and $50,000 for such costs in 2000 and 1999,
respectively.

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 8 concerning
allocation of income or loss for income tax purposes.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

     Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," effective in 1998, requires the disclosure of
comprehensive income (loss) to reflect changes in partners' capital that result
from transaction and economic events from nonowner sources. Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998
primarily represents the Partnership's unrealized gains (losses) on the
investment in Semele:


                                                  2000            1999           1998
                                               ---------       ---------      ---------
                                                                     
Beginning balance .......................      $  91,671       $      --      $(216,366)
Adjustment primarily related to the
  Partnership's investment in Semele ....       (103,964)         91,671        216,366
                                               ---------       ---------      ---------
Ending balance ..........................      $ (12,293)      $  91,671      $      --
                                               =========       =========      =========

NET INCOME (LOSS) AND CASH DISTRIBUTIONS PER UNIT

     Net income (loss) and cash distributions per Unit are based on 1,547,930
units outstanding during each of the three years ended December 31, 2000 and
computed after allocation of the General Partner's 5% share of net income (loss)
and cash distributions.


                                       17


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B 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 separate tax returns.

NOTE 3 - EQUIPMENT

     The following is a summary of equipment owned by the Partnership at
December 31, 2000. Remaining Lease Term (Months), as used below, represents the
number of months remaining from December 31, 2000 under contracted lease terms.
A Remaining Lease Term equal to zero reflects equipment either held for sale or
re-lease or being leased on a month-to-month basis. In the opinion of EFG, the
acquisition cost of the equipment did not exceed its fair market value.



                                                               REMAINING
                                                              LEASE TERM            EQUIPMENT
                    EQUIPMENT TYPE                              (MONTHS)             AT COST                  LOCATION
- ------------------------------------------------------      ---------------     -----------------    -----------------
                                                                                            
Trailers/intermodal containers........................              24          $         290,555    OK
Materials handling equipment..........................               0                     38,716    CA/DE/NC/OK/TX
                                                                                -----------------
   Total equipment cost...............................                                    329,271
   Accumulated depreciation...........................                                    247,230
                                                                                -----------------
   Equipment, net of accumulated depreciation.........                          $          82,041
                                                                                =================


     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 lease terms. At December 31, 2000, all of the Partnership's
equipment was subject to contracted leases or being leased on a month-to-month
basis.

NOTE 4 - INVESTMENT IN REAL ESTATE VENTURE

     On March 8, 2000, the Partnership and 10 affiliated partnerships (the
"Exchange Partnerships") collectively loaned $32 million to Echelon Residential
Holdings LLC ("Echelon Residential Holdings"), a newly formed real estate
company. Echelon Residential Holdings is owned by several investors, including
James A. Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG. In addition, certain affiliates
of the General Partner made loans to Echelon Residential Holdings in their
individual capacities.

     The Partnership's loan is $5,700,000. Echelon Residential Holdings, through
a wholly owned subsidiary (Echelon Residential LLC), used the loan proceeds to
acquire various real estate assets from Echelon International Corporation, a
Florida-based real estate company. The loan has a term of 30 months, maturing on
September 8, 2002 and an annual interest rate of 14% for the first 24 months and
18% for the final six months. Interest accrues and compounds monthly and is
payable at maturity. In connection with the transaction, Echelon Residential
Holdings has pledged a security interest in all of its right, title and interest
in and to its membership interests in Echelon Residential LLC to the Exchange
Partnerships as collateral.


                                       18


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     The loan is presented in accordance with the guidance for ADC Arrangements
as described in Note 2, Real Estate Loans, in the Partnership's financial
statements as of and for the year December 31, 2000. The loan is accounted for
as an investment in real estate venture and is presented net of the
Partnership's share of losses in Echelon Residential Holdings. For the period
ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership's share of losses in Echelon
Residential Holdings was $432,651 and is reflected on the Statement of
Operations as "Partnership's share of unconsolidated real estate venture's
loss".

     The summarized financial information for Echelon Residential Holdings as of
December 31, 2000 and for the period March 8, 2000 (commencement of operations)
through December 31, 2000 is as follows:

          Total assets..............   $ 68,580,891
          Total liabilities.........   $ 70,183,162
          Minority interest.........   $  2,257,367
          Total deficit ............   $ (3,859,638)

          Total revenues............   $  5,230,212
          Total expenses, minority
           interest and equity in
           loss of unconsolidated
           joint venture ...........   $ 11,936,238
          Net loss..................   $ (6,706,026)

NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES - AFFILIATE AND NOTE RECEIVABLE - AFFILIATE

     As a result of an exchange in 1997, the Partnership is the beneficial owner
of 39,339 shares of Semele common stock and holds a beneficial interest in a
note from Semele (the "Semele Note") of $888,844.

     In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board's Statement No.
115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities,
marketable equity securities classified as available-for-sale are required to be
carried at fair value. During the year ended December 31, 1998, the Partnership
decreased the carrying value of its investment in Semele common stock to $4.125
per share resulting in an unrealized loss in 1998 of $132,773. This loss was
reported as a component of comprehensive income, included in the Statement of
Changes in Partners' Capital. At December 31, 1998, the General Partner
determined that the decline in market value of the Semele common stock was
other-than-temporary. As a result, the Partnership wrote down the cost of the
Semele stock to $4.125 per share (the quoted price of the Semele stock on NASDAQ
a December 31, 1998) for a total realized loss of $349,139 in 1998.

     During the year ended December 31, 1999, the Partnership increased the
carrying value of its investment in Semele common stock to $5.75 per share (the
quoted price on the NASDAQ SmallCap market at December 31, 1999), resulting in
an unrealized gain in 1999 of $63,926. During the year ended December 31, 2000,
the Partnership decreased the carrying value of its investment in Semele common
stock to $3.8125 per share (the quoted price of the Semele stock on NASDAQ Small
Cap market at the date the stock traded closest to December 31, 2000), resulting
in an unrealized loss of $76,219. The gain in 1999 and loss in 2000 were
reported as a component of comprehensive income and loss, respectively, included
in the Statement of Changes in Partners' Capital.

     The Semele Note matures in April 2003 and bears an annual interest rate of
10% with mandatory principal reductions prior to maturity, if and to the extent
that net proceeds are received by Semele from the sale or refinancing of its
principal real estate asset consisting of an undeveloped 274-acre parcel of land
near Malibu, California. The Partnership recognized interest income of $88,884
on the Semele Note in each of the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998.


                                       19


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

NOTE 6 - MARKETABLE SECURITIES

     In April 1999, the Partnership purchased marketable securities in the
amount of $214,215. The Partnership increased the carrying value of its
investment in these securities based on the quoted price of the securities on
the New York Stock Exchange at December 31, 1999, resulting in an unrealized
gain for the year ended December 31, 1999 of $27,745. The securities were sold
in March 2000 for proceeds of $357,680, resulting in a realized gain, for
financial statement purposes, of $143,465. The unrealized gain, recorded during
1999, was reversed in 2000 when the securities were sold. The unrealized gain
and the subsequent reversal were reported as a component of comprehensive income
and loss in 1999 and 2000, respectively, included in the Statement of Changes in
Partners Capital.

NOTE 7 - 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,
2000, 1999 and 1998, which were paid or accrued by the Partnership to EFG or its
Affiliates, are as follows:



                                                                   2000          1999          1998
                                                                 --------      --------      --------
                                                                                    
Equipment management fees .................................      $  2,002      $  6,879      $ 64,755
Administrative charges ....................................        71,921        95,666        59,736
Reimbursable operating expenses due to third parties ......       327,823       373,853       799,508
                                                                 --------      --------      --------

                                                 Total ....      $401,746      $476,398      $923,999
                                                                 ========      ========      ========


     As provided under the terms of the Management Agreement, EFG is compensated
for its services to the Partnership. Such services include acquisition and
management of equipment. For acquisition services, EFG was 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 5% of gross
operating lease rental revenues and 2% of gross full payout lease rental
revenues received by the Partnership. Both acquisition and management fees are
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 at actual cost.

     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 EFG.
EFG temporarily deposits collected funds in a separate interest-bearing escrow
account prior to remittance to the Partnership. At December 31, 2000, the
Partnership was owed $5,993 by EFG for such funds and the interest thereon.
These funds were remitted to the Partnership in January 2001.


                                       20


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     Certain affiliates of the General Partner own Units in the Partnership as
follows:



         ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------
                                                                NUMBER OF           PERCENT OF TOTAL
                            AFFILIATE                          UNITS OWNED         OUTSTANDING UNITS
         ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------
                                                                                            
         Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership                        94,570                   6.11%
         ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------

         Old North Capital Limited Partnership                           17,594                   1.14%
         ------------------------------------------------ ---------------------- -----------------------

         Atlantic Acquisition Limited Partnership ("AALP") and Old North Capital
Limited Partnership ("ONC") are both Massachusetts limited partnerships formed
in 1995. The general partners of AALP and ONC are controlled by Gary D. Engle.
EFG owns limited partnership interests, representing substantially all of the
economic benefit, in AALP and the limited partnership interests of ONC are owned
by Semele. Gary D. Engle is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Semele and
President and Chief Executive Officer of EFG and sole shareholder and Director
of EFG's general partner. James A. Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG, is
Semele's President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Engle and Mr. Coyne are both
members of the Board of Directors of, and own significant stock in, Semele.

NOTE 8 - 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 balance. At December 31, 2000, the General Partner had a
positive tax capital balance.

     The following is a reconciliation between net (loss) income reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years
ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998:



                                                            2000              1999              1998
                                                        -----------       -----------       -----------
                                                                                   
Net (loss) income ................................      $  (349,755)      $ 4,431,377       $   580,743
     Financial statement depreciation in
       excess of (less than) tax depreciation ....           41,876          (300,195)         (678,927)
     Interest income - real estate venture .......          696,076                --                --
     Deferred rental income ......................               --           (24,700)          (31,018)
     Partnership's share of unconsolidated
       real estate venture's loss ................          432,651                --                --
     Other .......................................            2,993        (1,012,501)        1,418,759
                                                        -----------       -----------       -----------

Net income for federal income tax
     reporting purposes ..........................      $   823,841       $ 3,093,981       $ 1,289,557
                                                        ===========       ===========       ===========


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

                                       21


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     The following is a reconciliation between partners' capital reported for
financial statement and federal income tax reporting purposes for the years
ended December 31, 2000 and 1999:


                                                                          2000              1999
                                                                      ------------      ------------
                                                                                  
Partners' capital ..............................................      $  8,540,564      $  8,994,283
     Unrealized (gain)/loss on marketable securities and
            investment securities - affiliate ..................            12,293           (91,671)
     Add back selling commissions and organization
          and offering costs ...................................         4,348,553         4,348,553
     Cumulative difference between federal income tax
          and financial statement (loss) income ................         1,395,822           222,226
                                                                      ------------      ------------
Partners' capital for federal income tax reporting purposes ....      $ 14,297,232      $ 13,473,391
                                                                      ============      ============


     Unrealized gain/loss on investment securities and cumulative difference
between federal income tax and financial statement (loss) income represent
timing differences.

NOTE 9 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     In January 1998, certain plaintiffs (the "Plaintiffs") filed a class and
derivative action, captioned LEONARD ROSENBLUM, ET AL. V. EQUIS FINANCIAL GROUP
LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., in the United States District Court for the
Southern District of Florida (the "Court") on behalf of a proposed class of
investors in 28 equipment leasing programs sponsored by EFG, including the
Partnership (collectively, the "Nominal Defendants"), against EFG and a number
of its affiliates, including the General Partner, as defendants (collectively,
the "Defendants"). Certain of the Plaintiffs, on or about June 24, 1997, had
filed an earlier derivative action, captioned LEONARD ROSENBLUM, ET AL. V. EQUIS
FINANCIAL GROUP LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., in the Superior Court of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts on behalf of the Nominal Defendants against the
Defendants. Both actions are referred to herein collectively as the "Class
Action Lawsuit".

     The Plaintiffs have asserted, among other things, claims against the
Defendants on behalf of the Nominal Defendants for violations of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, common law fraud, breach of contract, breach of fiduciary
duty, and violations of the partnership or trust agreements that govern each of
the Nominal Defendants. The Defendants have denied, and continue to deny, that
any of them have committed or threatened to commit any violations of law or
breached any fiduciary duties to the Plaintiffs or the Nominal Defendants.

     On July 16, 1998, counsel for the Defendants and the Plaintiffs executed a
Stipulation of Settlement setting forth terms pursuant to which a settlement of
the Class Action Lawsuit is intended to be achieved and which, among other
things, is expected to reduce the burdens and expenses attendant to continuing
litigation. The Stipulation of Settlement was preliminarily approved by the
Court on August 20, 1998 when the Court issued its "Order Preliminarily
Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing
for Notice of, and Hearing on, the Proposed Settlement" (the "August 20 Order").

     On March 12, 1999, counsel for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants entered
into an amended stipulation of settlement (the "Amended Stipulation") which was
filed with the Court on March 12, 1999. The Amended Stipulation was
preliminarily approved by the Court by its "Modified Order Preliminarily
Approving Settlement, Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing
For Notice of, and Hearing On, the Proposed Settlement" dated March 22, 1999
(the "March 22 Order"). The Amended Stipulation, among other things, divided the
Class Action Lawsuit into two separate sub-classes that could be settled
individually. On May 26, 1999, the Court issued an Order and Final Judgment
approving settlement of one of the sub-classes. Settlement of the second
sub-class, involving the Partnership and 10 affiliated partnerships
(collectively referred to as the "Exchange Partnerships"), remains pending due,
in part, to the complexity of the proposed settlement pertaining to this class.

                                       22


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     In February 2000, counsel for the Plaintiffs and the Defendants entered
into a second amended stipulation of settlement (the "Second Amended
Stipulation") which modified certain of the settlement terms contained in the
Amended Stipulation. The Second Amended Stipulation was preliminarily approved
by the Court by its "Second Modified Order Preliminarily Approving Settlement,
Conditionally Certifying Settlement Class and Providing For Notice of, and
Hearing On, the Proposed Settlement" dated March 6, 2000 (the "March 2000
Order"). Prior to issuing a final order approving the settlement of the second
sub-class involving the Partnership, the Court will hold a fairness hearing that
will be open to all interested parties and permit any party to object to the
settlement. The investors of the Partnership and all other plaintiff sub-class
members will receive a Notice of Settlement and other information pertinent to
the settlement of their claims that will be mailed to them in advance of the
fairness hearing.

     The settlement of the second sub-class is premised on the consolidation of
the Exchange Partnerships' net assets (the "Consolidation"), subject to certain
conditions, into a single successor company ("Newco"). Under the proposed
Consolidation, the partners of the Exchange Partnerships would receive both
common stock in Newco and a cash distribution; and thereupon the Exchange
Partnerships would be dissolved. In addition, EFG would contribute certain
management contracts, operations personnel, and business opportunities to Newco
and cancel its current management contracts with all of the Exchange
Partnerships. Newco would operate principally as a finance company and would use
its best efforts to list its shares on the NASDAQ National Market or another
national exchange or market as soon after the Consolidation as Newco deems that
market conditions and its business operations are suitable for listing its
shares and Newco has satisfied all necessary regulatory and listing
requirements. The potential benefits and risks of the Consolidation will be
presented in a Solicitation Statement that will be mailed to all of the partners
of the Exchange Partnerships as soon as the associated regulatory review process
is completed and at least 60 days prior to the fairness hearing. A preliminary
Solicitation Statement was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
August 24, 1998 and remains pending. Class members will be notified of the
actual fairness hearing date when it is confirmed.

     One of the principal objectives of the Consolidation is to create a company
that would have the potential to generate more value for the benefit of existing
limited partners than other alternatives, including continuing the Partnership's
customary business operations until all of its assets are disposed in the
ordinary course of business. To facilitate the realization of this objective,
the Amended Stipulation provided, among other things, that commencing March 22,
1999, the Exchange Partnerships could collectively invest up to 40% of the total
aggregate net asset values of all of the Exchange Partnerships in any
investment, including additional equipment and other business activities that
the general partners of the Exchange Partnerships and EFG reasonably believed to
be consistent with the anticipated business interests and objectives of Newco,
subject to certain limitations. The Second Amended Stipulation, among other
things, quantified the 40% limitation using a whole dollar amount of $32 million
in the aggregate.

     On March 8, 2000, the Exchange Partnerships collectively made a $32 million
loan as permitted by the Second Amended Stipulation approved by the Court. The
Partnership's portion of the aggregate loan is $5,700,000. The loan consists of
a term loan to Echelon Residential Holdings, a newly-formed real estate company
that is owned by several independent investors and, in his individual capacity,
James A. Coyne, Executive Vice President of EFG. In addition, certain affiliates
of the General Partner made loans to Echelon Residential Holdings in their
individual capacities. Echelon Residential Holdings, through a wholly owned
subsidiary ("Echelon Residential LLC"), used the loan proceeds, along with the
loan proceeds from similar loans by ten affiliated partnerships representing $32
million in the aggregate, to acquire various real estate assets from Echelon
International Corporation, an independent Florida-based real estate company. The
loan has a term of 30 months maturing on September 8, 2002 and bears interest at
the annual rate of 14% for the first 24 months and 18% for the final six months
of the term. Interest accrues and compounds monthly but is not payable until
maturity. Echelon Residential Holdings has pledged its membership interests in
Echelon Residential LLC to the Exchange Partnerships as collateral for the loan.


                                       23


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     In the absence of the Court's authorization to enter into new investment
activities, the Partnership's Restated Agreement, as amended, would not permit
such activities without the approval of limited partners owning a majority of
the Partnership's outstanding Units. Consistent with the Amended Stipulation,
the Second Amended Stipulation provides terms for unwinding any new investment
transactions in the event that the Consolidation is not effected or the
Partnership objects to its participation in the Consolidation.

     The Second Amended Stipulation, as well as the Amended Stipulation and the
original Stipulation of Settlement, prescribe certain conditions necessary to
effect a final settlement, including providing the partners of the Exchange
Partnerships with the opportunity to object to the participation of their
partnership in the Consolidation. Assuming the proposed settlement is effected
according to present terms, the Partnership's share of legal fees and expenses
related to the Class Action Lawsuit and the Consolidation is estimated to be
approximately $410,000, of which approximately $41,000, $50,000 and $319,000 was
expensed by the Partnership in 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively.

     While the Court's August 20 Order enjoined certain class members, including
all of the partners of the Partnership, from transferring, selling, assigning,
giving, pledging, hypothecating, or otherwise disposing of any Units pending the
Court's final determination of whether the settlement should be approved, the
March 22 Order permitted the partners to transfer Units to family members or as
a result of the divorce, disability or death of the partner. No other transfers
are permitted pending the Court's final determination of whether the settlement
should be approved. The provision of the August 20 Order which enjoined the
General Partners of the Exchange Partnerships from, among other things,
recording any transfers not in accordance with the Court's order remains
effective.

     There can be no assurance that settlement of the sub-class involving the
Exchange Partnerships will receive final Court approval and be effected. There
also can be no assurance that all or any of the Exchange Partnerships will
participate in the Consolidation because if limited partners owning more than
one-third of the outstanding Units of a partnership object to the Consolidation,
then that partnership will be excluded from the Consolidation. Notwithstanding
the extent of delays experienced thus far in achieving a final settlement of the
Class Action Lawsuit with respect to the Exchange Partnerships, the General
Partner and its affiliates, in consultation with counsel, continue to feel that
there is a reasonable basis to believe that a final settlement of the sub-class
involving the Exchange Partnerships ultimately will be achieved. However, in the
absence of a final settlement approved by the Court, the Defendants intend to
defend vigorously against the claims asserted in the Class Action Lawsuit.
Neither the General Partner nor its affiliates can predict with any degree of
certainty the cost of continuing litigation to the Partnership or the ultimate
outcome.

     In addition to the foregoing, the Partnership is a party to other lawsuits
that have arisen out of the conduct of its business, principally involving
disputes or disagreements with lessees over lease terms and conditions as
described below:

ACTION INVOLVING TRANSMERIDIAN AIRLINES

     On November 9, 1998, First Security Bank, N.A., as trustee of the
Partnership and certain affiliated investment programs (collectively, the
"Plaintiffs), filed an action in Superior Court of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts in Suffolk County against Prime Air, Inc. d/b/a Transmeridian
Airlines ("Transmeridian"), Atkinson & Mullen Travel, Inc., and Apple Vacations,
West, Inc., both d/b/a Apple Vacations, asserting various causes of action for
declaratory judgment and breach of contract. The action subsequently was removed
to United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Transmeridian
filed counterclaims for breach of contract, quantum meruit, conversion, breach
of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of M.G.L.
c. 93A. The Plaintiffs subsequently filed an Amended Complaint asserting claims
for breaches of contract and covenant of good faith and fair dealing against
Transmeridian and breach of guaranty against Apple Vacations.


                                       24


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

     The Plaintiffs are seeking damages for, among other things, breach of
contract arising out of Transmeridian's refusal to repair or replace burned
engine blades found in one engine during a pre-return inspection of an aircraft
leased by Transmeridian from the Plaintiffs, a Boeing 727-251 ADV aircraft (the
"Aircraft"). The estimated cost to repair the engine and lease a substitute
engine during the repair period was approximately $488,000. Repairs were
completed in June 1999. The Plaintiffs intend to enforce written guarantees
issued by Apple Vacations that absolutely and unconditionally guarantee
Transmeridian's performance under the lease agreement and are seeking recovery
of all costs, lost revenue and monetary damages in connection with this matter.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Plaintiffs were required to advance the cost
of repairing the engine and leasing a substitute engine and cannot be certain
whether the guarantees will be enforced. Therefore, the Partnership expensed its
share of these costs, or approximately $68,000 and $224,000 in 1999 and 1999,
respectively. On September 22, 2000, Transmeridian filed a petition for
bankruptcy reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the
Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta (the
"Bankruptcy Court"). This filing automatically stayed all pending litigation
against Transmeridian, including this action. The Bankruptcy filings indicate
Transmeridian has at least $24 million in debt. In January 2001, Transmeridian
filed a reorganization plan and disclosure statement indicating that little if
any money will be available for distribution to unsecured creditors like the
Partnership. The Partnership's counsel has recently initiated discussions with
Transmeridian's counsel concerning settlement of the claims against
Transmeridian. No assurances can be given that a settlement will be reached.

     On March 2, 2001, the Partnership's counsel filed a motion in the
Bankruptcy Court asking the Court to lift the automatic stay of this
Massachusetts proceeding so that it may proceed to final judgment. The
Bankruptcy Court has scheduled a hearing on this motion for April 10, 2001.
Transmeridian's bankruptcy counsel has indicated that he is considering asking
the Court to move this Massachusetts action to Georgia and consolidate it with
the bankruptcy proceeding. The General Partner cannot predict the outcome of its
motion for relief from stay or Transmeridian's efforts to transfer venue of the
Massachusetts action.

     Notwithstanding the Transmeridian bankruptcy, the General Partner plans to
vigorously pursue enforcement of the written guarantees issued by Apple
Vacations; however, it is too early to predict the Plaintiffs' likelihood of
success. This aircraft was sold in June 1999.


                                       25


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
                        NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                   (CONTINUED)

ACTION INVOLVING NORTHWEST AIRLINES, INC.

     On September 22, 1995, Investors Asset Holding Corp. and First Security
Bank, N.A., trustees of the Partnership and certain affiliated investment
programs (collectively, the "Plaintiffs"), filed an action in United States
District Court for the District of Massachusetts against a lessee of the
Partnership, Northwest Airlines, Inc. ("Northwest"). The Complaint alleges that
Northwest did not fulfill its maintenance and return obligations under its Lease
Agreements with the Plaintiffs and seeks declaratory judgment concerning
Northwest's obligations and monetary damages. Northwest filed an Answer to the
Plaintiffs' Complaint and a motion to transfer the venue of this proceeding to
Minnesota. The Court denied Northwest's motion. On June 29, 1998, a United
States Magistrate Judge recommended entry of partial summary judgment in favor
of the Plaintiffs. Northwest appealed this decision. On April 15, 1999, the
United States District Court Judge adopted the Magistrate Judge's recommendation
and entered partial summary judgment in favor of the Plaintiffs on their claims
for declaratory judgment. . The parties then undertook a second phase of
discovery, focused on damages. This second phase of damages is scheduled to
conclude in April 2001 with the completion of depositions of the parties'
experts. In February 2001 the District Court also denied summary judgment on
certain of the Plaintiffs' other claims, including their tort claims for
conversion. If no settlement is reached, the Plaintiffs will proceed to trial
for an assessment of damages. No firm trial date has been established at this
time; however, if a trial should become necessary, it is not expected to occur
before June 2001. The General Partner believes that the Plaintiff's claims
ultimately will prevail and that the Partnership's financial position will not
be adversely affected by the outcome of this action.

NOTE 10 - QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

     The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for the
years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999:



                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       -----------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       MARCH 31,        JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,         TOTAL
                                       ---------        --------      -------------    ------------     ------------
                                                                                             
           2000
           ----
Total lease revenue ...........        $ 18,548      $    18,861       $   14,837      $    15,888      $    68,134
Net income (loss) .............         223,357          (10,652)        (127,581)        (434,879)        (349,755)
Net income (loss) per
  limited partnership unit ....            0.14            (0.01)           (0.08)           (0.26)           (0.21)


           1999
           ----
Total lease revenue ...........        $ 63,476      $    40,580       $   25,982      $    35,793      $   165,831
Net income ....................         118,143        4,165,160           89,275           58,799        4,431,377
Net income per
  limited partnership unit ....            0.07             2.56             0.05             0.04             2.72

     The Partnership's net loss in the three months ended December 31, 2000 is
primarily the result of recording an unrealized loss in investment securities -
affiliate of approximately $76,000 and recording the Partnership's share of
unconsolidated real estate ventures loss of approximately $304,000.

     The Partnership's net income in the three months ended June 30,1999 is
primarily the result of the sale of the Partnership's interest in two Boeing
727-25 ADV aircraft, resulting in a net gain, for financial statement purposes,
of $4,080,000.



                                       26





                        ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION






                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

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

              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000, 1999 AND 1998


     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, 2000, 1999 and 1998.



                                                      2000             1999             1998
                                                  -----------      -----------      -----------
                                                                           

Rents earned prior to disposal of
     equipment, net of interest charges ....      $   208,402      $12,719,680      $ 6,558,696

Sale proceeds realized upon disposition
     of equipment ..........................           19,413        4,260,478        1,648,737
                                                  -----------      -----------      -----------

Total cash generated from rents
     and equipment sale proceeds ...........          227,815       16,980,158        8,207,433

Original acquisition cost of equipment
     disposed ..............................          128,347       13,107,496        5,897,499
                                                  -----------      -----------      -----------

Excess of total cash generated to cost
     of equipment disposed .................      $    99,468      $ 3,872,662      $ 2,309,934
                                                  ===========      ===========      ===========



                                       27


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

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

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000



                                                                        SALES AND
                                                      OPERATIONS       REFINANCINGS          TOTAL
                                                      ----------       ------------       -----------
                                                                                 
Net (loss) income ..............................      $  (509,639)      $   159,884       $  (349,755)

Add:
     Depreciation ..............................           41,876                --            41,876
     Management fees ...........................            2,002                --             2,002
     Book value of disposed equipment ..........               --             2,994             2,994
     Book value of marketable securities .......               --           214,215           214,215
     Partnership's share of unconsolidated
           real estate venture's loss ..........          432,651                --           432,651
                                                      -----------       -----------       -----------
     Cash from operations, sales and
        refinancings ...........................          (33,110)          377,093           343,983
Less:
     Management fees ...........................           (2,002)               --            (2,002)
                                                      -----------       -----------       -----------

Distributable cash from operations,
        sales and refinancings .................          (35,112)          377,093           341,981
Other sources and uses of cash:
     Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
         of year ...............................        4,023,342         3,984,120         8,007,462
     Net change in receivables and accruals ....          (35,457)               --           (35,457)
     Investment in real estate venture .........       (1,552,647)       (4,147,353)       (5,700,000)
Less:
     Cash distributions paid ...................               --          (213,860)         (213,860)
                                                      -----------       -----------       -----------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year .......      $ 2,400,126       $        --       $ 2,400,126
                                                      ===========       ===========       ===========



                                       28


                AMERICAN INCOME PARTNERS V-B 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

                      FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000

     For the year ended December 31, 2000, the Partnership reimbursed the
General Partner and its Affiliates for the following costs:

     Operating expenses                        $  439,228



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