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FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

(Mark One)

|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004

OR

|_| TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ___________

Commission file number: 0-23908


WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.


California 33-0531301
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

17782 Sky Park Circle Irvine, CA 92614-6404
(Address of principal executive offices)

(714) 662-5565
(Telephone number)



Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes No X
--------- ----------


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes No X
--------- ----------





WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Balance Sheets
September 30, 2004 and March 31, 2004...................3

Statements of Operations
For the Three and Six Months Ended
September 30, 2004 and 2003.............................4

Statement of Partners' Equity (Deficit)
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2004.............5

Statements of Cash Flows
For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003....6

Notes to Financial Statements.........................................7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations....................15

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
Market Risks...........................................16

Item 4. Controls and Procedures......................................16

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings............................................17

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds....................17

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities..............................17

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders..........17

Item 5. Other Information............................................17

Item 6. Exhibits ....................................................17

Signatures ..........................................................18




2



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

BALANCE SHEETS





September 30, 2004 March 31, 2004
----------------------- -------------------
(unaudited)


ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents $ 316,189 $ 310,717
Investments in limited partnerships, net (Note 2) 3,323,632 3,525,413
----------------------- -------------------

$ 3,639,821 $ 3,836,130
======================= ===================


LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Liabilities:
Accrued fees and expenses due to
General Partner and affiliates (Note 3) $ 1,330,537 $ 1,256,656

Partners' equity (deficit):
General partner (147,038) (144,336)
Limited partners (30,000 units authorized;
18,000 units issued and outstanding) 2,456,322 2,723,810
----------------------- -------------------

Total partners' equity 2,309,284 2,579,474
----------------------- -------------------

$ 3,639,821 $ 3,836,130
======================= ===================




See accompanying notes to financial statements
3



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the Three and Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
(unaudited)



2004 2003
----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
Three Months Six months Three Months Six months
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------


Interest income $ 199 $ 400 $ 437 $ 886
Distribution income - 5,044 1,952 3,747
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

199 5,444 2,389 4,633
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

Operating expenses:
Amortization (Note 2) 11,208 22,416 14,981 29,962
Asset management fees (Note 3) 45,346 90,692 45,347 90,693
Legal and accounting 6,525 8,050 13,375 16,945
Other 51 2,454 757 2,357
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

Total operating expenses 63,130 123,612 74,460 139,957
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

Loss from operations (62,931) (118,168) (72,071) (135,324)
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

Equity in losses of
limited partnerships (Note 2) (76,009) (152,022) (214,690) (354,312)
------------------- ------------------ ----------------- ----------------

Net loss $ (139,040) $ (270,190) $ (286,761) $ (489,636)
=================== ================== ================= ================

Net loss allocated to:
General partner $ (1,389) $ (2,702) $ (2,868) $ (4,896)
=================== ================== ================= ================

Limited partners $ (137,551) $ (267,488) $ (283,893) $ (484,740)
=================== ================== ================= ================

Net loss per limited
partner unit $ (8) $ (15) $ (16) $ (27)
=================== ================== ================= ================

Outstanding weighted limited
partner units
18,000 18,000 18,000 18,000
=================== ================== ================= ================




See accompanying notes to financial statements
4



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)





General Limited
Partner Partners Total
----------------- ---------------- ----------------

Partners' equity (deficit) at March 31, 2004 $ (144,336) $ 2,723,810 $ 2,579,474

Net loss (2,702) (267,488) (270,190)
----------------- ---------------- ----------------

Partners' equity (deficit) at September 30, 2004 $ (147,038) $ 2,456,322 $ 2,309,284
================= ================ ================









See accompanying notes to financial statements
5



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 and 2003
(unaudited)




2004 2003

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

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (270,190) $ (489,636)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to
cash used in operating activities:
Amortization 22,416 29,962
Equity in losses of limited partnerships 152,022 354,312
Change in accrued fees and expenses due to
General Partner and affiliates 73,881 64,791
------------------ ------------------

Net cash used in operating activities (21,871) (40,571)
------------------ ------------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Distributions received from limited partnerships 27,343 7,150
------------------ ------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 5,472 (33,421)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 310,717 371,426
------------------ ------------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 316,189 $ 338,005
================== ==================

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE
OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Taxes paid $ - $ -
================== ==================



See accompanying notes to financial statements
6



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)




NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- ---------------------------------------------------

General
- -------

The accompanying condensed unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q
for quarterly reports under Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes
required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all
adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a
fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the six months ended
September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2005. For further information,
refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the
Partnership's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31,
2004.

Organization
- ------------

WNC California Housing Tax Credits III, L.P. a California Limited Partnership
(the "Partnership"), was formed on October 5, 1992 under the laws of the state
of California and began operations on July 19, 1993. The Partnership was formed
to invest primarily in other limited partnerships (the "Local Limited
Partnerships") which own and operate multi-family housing complexes (the
"Housing Complex") that are eligible for low-income housing credits. The local
general partners (the "Local General Partners") of each Local Limited
Partnership retain responsibility for maintaining, operating and managing the
Housing Complex.

The general partner of the Partnership is WNC Tax Credit Partners III, L.P. (the
"General Partner"). WNC & Associates, Inc. ("Associates") and Wilfred N. Cooper
Sr. are the general partners of the General Partner. The chairman and president
own substantially all of the outstanding stock of Associates. The business of
the Partnership is conducted primarily through Associates as the Partnership and
General Partner have no employees of its own.

The Partnership shall continue to be in full force and effect until December 31,
2050 unless terminated prior to that date pursuant to the partnership agreement
or law.

The Partnership Agreement authorized the sale of up to 30,000 units at $1,000
per Unit ("Units"). The offering of Units concluded in July 1994 at which time
17,990 Units, representing subscriptions in the amount of $17,990,000 had been
accepted. During 1995, an additional $10,000 was collected on subscriptions
accepted for 10 additional units and previously deemed uncollectible. The
General Partner has a 1% interest in operating profits and losses, taxable
income and losses, cash available for distribution from the Partnership and tax
credits of the Partnership. The limited partners will be allocated the remaining
99% of these items in proportion to their respective investments.

After the limited partners have received proceeds from a sale or refinancing
equal to their capital contributions and their return on investment (as defined
in the Partnership Agreement) and the General Partner has received proceeds
equal to its capital contribution and a subordinated disposition fee from the
remainder, any additional sale or refinancing proceeds will be distributed 90%
to the limited partners (in proportion to their respective investments) and 10%
to the General Partner.



7



WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------

Certain Risks and Uncertainties
- -------------------------------

An investment in the Partnership and the Partnership's investments in Local
Limited Partnerships and their Housing Complexes are subject to risks. These
risks may impact the tax benefits of an investment in the Partnership, and the
amount of proceeds available for distribution to the Limited Partners, if any,
on liquidation of the Partnership's investments. Some of those risks include the
following:

The Low Income Housing Credit rules are extremely complicated. Noncompliance
with these rules results in the loss of future Low Income Housing Credits and
the fractional recapture of Low Income Housing Credits already taken. In most
cases the annual amount of Low Income Housing Credits that an individual can use
is limited to the tax liability due on the person's last $25,000 of taxable
income. The Local Limited Partnerships may be unable to sell the Housing
Complexes at a price which would result in the Partnership realizing cash
distributions or proceeds from the transaction. Accordingly, the Partnership may
be unable to distribute any cash to its Limited Partners. Low Income Housing
Credits may be the only benefit from an investment in the Partnership.

The Partnership has invested in a limited number of Local Limited Partnerships.
Such limited diversity means that the results of operation of each single
Housing Complex will have a greater impact on the Partnership. With limited
diversity, poor performance of one Housing Complex could impair the
Partnership's ability to satisfy its investment objectives. Each Housing Complex
is subject to mortgage indebtedness. If a Local Limited Partnership failed to
pay its mortgage, it could lose its Housing Complex in foreclosure. If
foreclosure were to occur during the first 15 years, the loss of any remaining
future Low-Income Housing Credits, a fractional recapture of prior Low-Income
Housing Credits, and a loss of the Partnership's investment in the Housing
Complex would occur. The Partnership is a limited partner or non-managing member
of each Local Limited Partnership. Accordingly, the Partnership will have very
limited rights with respect to management of the Local Limited Partnerships. The
Partnership will rely totally on the Local General Partners. Neither the
Partnership's investments in Local Limited Partnerships, nor the Local Limited
Partnerships' investments in Housing Complexes, are readily marketable. To the
extent the Housing Complexes receive government financing or operating
subsidies, they may be subject to one or more of the following risks:
difficulties in obtaining tenants for the Housing Complexes; difficulties in
obtaining rent increases; limitations on cash distributions; limitations on
sales or refinancing of Housing Complexes; limitations on transfers of interests
in Local Limited Partnerships; limitations on removal of Local General Partners;
limitations on subsidy programs; and possible changes in applicable regulations.
Uninsured casualties could result in loss of property and Low-Income Housing
Credits and recapture of Low-Income Housing Credits previously taken. The value
of real estate is subject to risks from fluctuating economic conditions,
including employment rates, inflation, tax, environmental, land use and zoning
policies, supply and demand of similar properties, and neighborhood conditions,
among others.

The ability of Limited Partners to claim tax losses from the Partnership is
limited. The IRS may audit the Partnership or a Local Limited Partnership and
challenge the tax treatment of tax items. The amount of Low-Income Housing
Credits and tax losses allocable to the limited partners could be reduced if the
IRS were successful in such a challenge. The alternative minimum tax could
reduce tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership. Changes in tax laws
could also impact the tax benefits from an investment in the Partnership and/or
the value of the Housing Complexes.

Substantially all of the Low Income Housing Credits anticipated to be realized
from the Local Limited Partnerships have been realized. The Partnership does not
anticipate being allocated a significant amount of Low Income Housing Credits
from the Local Limited Partnerships in the future. Until the Local Limited
Partnerships have completed the 15 year Low Income Housing Credit compliance
period risks exist for potential recapture of prior low Income Housing Credits.

8


WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)

NOTE 1- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
- -------------------------------------------------------------

Anticipated future and existing cash resources of the Partnership are not
sufficient to pay existing liabilities of the partnership. Substantially all of
the liabilities of the Partnership are payable to the General Partner. Though a
substantial portion of the amounts payable to the General Partner are
contractually currently payable, the Partnership anticipates that the General
Partner will not require the payment of these contractual obligations until
capital reserves are in excess of the future foreseeable working capital
requirements of the Partnership. However, the Partnership is contractually
required to pay these obligations to the General Partner and/or its affiliates
on a current basis. The Partnership would be adversely affected should the
General Partner and/or its affiliates demand current payment of these
contractual obligations and or suspend services for this or any other reason.

No trading market for the Units exists or is expected to develop. Limited
Partners may be unable to sell their Units except at a discount and should
consider their Units to be a long-term investment. Individual Limited Partners
will have no recourse if they disagree with actions authorized by a vote of the
majority of Limited Partners.

Method of Accounting For Investments in Limited Partnerships
- ------------------------------------------------------------

The Partnership accounts for its investments in limited partnerships using the
equity method of accounting, whereby the Partnership adjusts its investment
balance for its share of the Local Limited Partnerships' results of operations
and for any contributions made and distributions received. The Partnership
reviews the carrying amount of an individual investment in a Local Limited
Partnership for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount of such investment may not be recoverable.
Recoverability of such investment is measured by a comparison of the carrying
amount to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated. If an
investment is considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is
measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the investment exceeds
fair value. The accounting policies of the Local Limited Partnerships are
generally consistent with those of the Partnership. Costs incurred by the
Partnership in acquiring the investments are capitalized as part of the
investment account and are being amortized over 30 years (see Note 2).

Equity in losses of limited partnerships for the periods ended September 30,
2004 and 2003 have been recorded by the Partnership based on six months of
reported results estimated by management of the Partnership. Management's
estimate for the six-month period is based on either actual unaudited results
reported by the Local Limited Partnerships or historical trends in the
operations of the Local Limited Partnerships. Equity in losses from the Limited
Partnerships allocated to the Partnership are not recognized to the extent that
the investment balance would be adjusted below zero. As soon as the investment
balance reaches zero, amortization of the related costs of acquiring the
investment are accelerated to the extent of losses available (see Note 2). If
the Local Limited Partnerships report net income in future years, the
Partnership will resume applying the equity method only after its share of such
net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the period(s)
the equity method was suspended.

Offering Expenses
- -----------------

Offering expenses consist of underwriting commissions, legal fees, printing,
filing and recordation fees, and other costs incurred with selling limited
partnership interests in the Partnership. The General Partner is obligated to
pay all offering and organization costs in excess of 15% (including sales
commissions) of the total offering proceeds. Offering expenses are reflected as
a reduction of partners' capital and amounted to $2,366,564 at the end of all
periods presented.


9


WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)



NOTE 1- SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
- -------------------------------------------------------------

Exit Strategy
- -------------

The IRS compliance period for low-income housing tax credit properties is
generally 15 years from occupancy following construction or rehabilitation
completion. WNC was one of the first in the industry to offer investments using
the tax credit. Now these very first programs are completing their compliance
period.

With that in mind, we are continuing our review of the Partnership's holdings,
with special emphasis on the more mature properties including those that have
satisfied the IRS compliance requirements. Our review will consider many factors
including extended use requirements on the property (such as those due to
mortgage restrictions or state compliance agreements), the condition of the
property, and the tax consequences to the limited partners from the sale of the
property.

Upon identifying those properties with the highest potential for a successful
sale, refinancing or syndication, we expect to proceed with efforts to liquidate
those properties. Our objective is to maximize the limited partners' return
wherever possible and, ultimately, to wind down those funds that no longer
provide tax benefits to limited partners. To date no properties in the
Partnership have been selected.

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

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

Income Taxes
- ------------

No provision for income taxes has been recorded in the financial statements as
any liability and/or benefits for income taxes flows to the partners of the
Partnership and is their obligation and/or benefit. For income tax purposes the
Partnership reports on a calendar year basis.

Cash and Cash Equivalents
- -------------------------

The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities
of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The Partnership
had no cash equivalents as of September 30, 2004 and March 31, 2004.

Concentration of Credit Risk
- ----------------------------

At September 30, 2004, the Partnership maintained a cash balance at a certain
financial institution in excess of the maximum federally insured amounts.

Net Loss Per Limited Partner Unit
- ---------------------------------

Net loss per limited partnership unit is calculated pursuant to Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share. Net loss per unit
includes no dilution and is computed by dividing loss available to limited
partners by the weighted average number of units outstanding during the period.
Calculation of diluted net income per unit is not required.

10

WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES, continued
- --------------------------------------------------------------

Reporting Comprehensive Income
- ------------------------------

The Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income established standards for the reporting and display of
comprehensive income (loss) and its components in a full set of general-purpose
financial statements. The Partnership had no items of other comprehensive income
for all periods presented, as defined by SFAS No. 130.

New Accounting Pronouncements
- -----------------------------

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN46"), "Consolidation
of Variable Interest Entities." FIN 46 provides guidance on when a company
should include the assets, liabilities, and activities of a variable interest
entity ("VIE") in its financial statements and when it should disclose
information about its relationship with a VIE. A VIE is a legal structure used
to conduct activities or hold assets, which must be consolidated by a company if
it is the primary beneficiary because it absorbs the majority of the entity's
expected losses, the majority of the expected returns, or both.

In December 2003, the FASB issued a revision of FIN 46 ("FIN 46R") to clarify
some of its provisions. The revision results in multiple effective dates based
on the nature as well as the creation date of the VIE. VIEs created after
January 31, 2003, but prior to January 1, 2004, may be accounted for either
based on the original interpretations or the revised interpretations. However,
all VIEs must be accounted for under the revised interpretations as of March 31,
2004, when FIN 46R is effective for the Partnership.

This Interpretation would require consolidation by the Partnership of certain
Local Limited Partnerships' assets and liabilities and results of operations if
the Partnership determined that the Local Limited Partnership was a VIE and that
the Partnership was the "Primary Beneficiary." Minority interests may be
recorded for the Local Limited Partnerships' ownership share attributable to
other Limited Partners. Where consolidation of Local Limited Partnerships is not
required, additional financial information disclosures of Local Limited
Partnerships may be required. The Partnership has assessed the potential
consolidation effects of the Interpretation and concluded that the adoption of
the Interpretation will not have a material impact on the financial statements
of the Partnerships.



11








WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)


NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS
- --------------------------------------------

As of the periods presented, the Partnership had acquired limited partnership
interests in eighteen Local Limited Partnerships, each of which owns one Housing
Complex consisting of an aggregate of 635 apartment units. The respective
general partners of the Local Limited Partnerships manage the day-to-day
operations of the entities. Significant Local Limited Partnership's business
decisions require approval from the Partnership. The Partnership, as a limited
partner, is generally entitled to 99%, as specified in the Local Limited
Partnership agreements, of the operating profits and losses, taxable income and
losses and tax credits of the Limited Partnerships.

Equity in losses of the Local Limited Partnerships is recognized in the
financial statements until the related investment account is reduced to a zero
balance. Losses incurred after the investment account is reduced to zero are not
recognized. If the Local Limited Partnerships report net income in future years,
the Partnership will resume applying the equity method only after its share of
such net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during the
period(s) the equity method was suspended.

Distributions received by limited partners are accounted for as a reduction of
the investment balance. Distributions received after the investment has reached
zero are recognized as income.

The following is a summary of the equity method activity of the investments in
Local Limited Partnerships for the periods presented below:



For the Six For the Year
Months Ended Ended
September 30, 2004 March 31, 2004
------------------- -------------------

Investments per balance sheet, beginning of period $ 3,525,413 $ 5,572,016
Equity in losses of limited partnerships (152,022) (383,422)
Distributions received (27,343) (8,650)
Impairment of local limited partnerships - (1,607,047)
Amortization of paid acquisition fees and costs (22,416) (47,484)
------------------- -------------------

Investments per balance sheet, end of period $ 3,323,632 $ 3,525,413
=================== ===================



12

WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)




NOTE 2 - INVESTMENTS IN LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS, continued
- -------------------------------------------------------

Selected financial information for the six months ended September 30, 2004 and
2003 from the unaudited combined condensed financial statements of the limited
partnerships in which the Partnership has invested as follows:


COMBINED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
2004 2003
---------------------- --------------------


Revenue $ 1,785,000 $ 1,669,000
---------------------- --------------------
Expenses:
Operating expenses 1,299,000 1,125,000
Interest expense 436,000 470,000
Depreciation and amortization 555,000 555,000
---------------------- --------------------

Total expenses 2,290,000 2,150,000
---------------------- --------------------

Net loss $ (505,000) $ (481,000)
====================== ====================

Net loss allocable to the Partnership $ (501,000) $ (476,000)
====================== ====================

Net loss recorded by the Partnership $ (152,000) $ (354,000)
====================== ====================



Certain Local Limited Partnerships have incurred significant operating losses
and/or have working capital deficiencies. In the event these Local Limited
Partnerships continue to incur significant operating losses, additional capital
contributions by the Partnership and/or the Local General Partner may be
required to sustain operations of such Local Limited Partnerships. If additional
capital contributions are not made when they are required, the Partnership's
investment in certain of such Local Limited Partnerships could be impaired, and
the loss and recapture of the related tax credits could occur.


13


WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.
(A California Limited Partnership)

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED

For the Quarter Ended September 30, 2004
(unaudited)


NOTE 3 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Partnership has no officers, employees, or directors. However, under the
terms of the Partnership Agreement the Partnership is obligated to the General
Partner or its affiliates during the current or future years for the following
fees:

(a) Annual Asset Management Fee. An annual asset management fee in an amount
equal to 0.5% of the Invested Assets of the Partnership, as defined.
"Invested Assets" means the sum of the Partnership's Investment in Local
Limited Partnership Interests and the Partnership's allocable share of the
amount of the mortgage loans on and other debts related to, the Housing
Complexes owned by such Local Limited Partnerships. Fees of $90,692 and
$90,693 were incurred during each of the six months ended September 30,
2004 and 2003, respectively. The Partnership paid the General Partner or
its affiliates $22,500 and $30,000 of those fees during the six months
ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

(b) Subordinated Disposition Fee. A subordinated disposition fee in an amount
equal to 1% of the sales price of real estate sold. Payment of this fee is
subordinated to the limited partners receiving a preferred return of 16%
through September 30, 2004 and 6% thereafter (as defined in the Partnership
Agreement) and is payable only if the General Partner or its affiliates
render services in the sales effort.

(c) The Partnership reimburses the General Partner or its affiliates for
operating expenses incurred in behalf of the Partnership. Operating expense
reimbursements are approximately $4,816 and $15,204 during the six months
ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

The accrued fees and expenses due to General Partner and affiliates consist of
the following:



September 30, 2004 March 31, 2004
---------------------- ----------------------

Reimbursement for expenses paid by the General
Partners and affiliates $ 6,525 $ 837
Asset management fee payable 1,324,012 1,255,819
---------------------- ----------------------
$ 1,330,537 $ 1,256,656
====================== ======================



The General Partner does not anticipate that these accrued fees will be paid in
full until such time as capital reserves are in excess of future foreseeable
working capital requirements of the Partnership.




14



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

Forward-Looking Statements

With the exception of the discussion regarding historical information,
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and other discussions elsewhere in this Form 10-Q contain
forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations
subject to uncertainties and other factors, which may involve known and unknown
risks that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from
those, projected or implied. Further, certain forward-looking statements are
based upon assumptions about future events, which may not prove to be accurate.

Risks and uncertainties inherent in forward-looking statements include, but are
not limited to, our future cash flows and ability to obtain sufficient
financing, level of operating expenses, conditions in the low-income housing tax
credit property market and the economy in general, as well as legal proceedings.
Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for
any future period.

Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or
persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by
cautionary statements in this Form 10-Q and in other reports we filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The following discussion should be read in
conjunction with the condensed Financial Statements and the Notes thereto
included elsewhere in this filing.

The following discussion and analysis compares the results of operations for the
six months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, and should be read in conjunction
with the condensed financial statements and accompanying notes included within
this report.

Financial Condition

The Partnership's assets at September 30, 2004 consisted primarily of $316,189
in cash and aggregate investments in the eighteen Local Limited Partnerships of
$3,323,632. Liabilities at September 30, 2004 primarily consisted of $1,330,537
of accrued asset management fees and expenses due to the General Partner.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended September
30, 2003. The Partnership's net loss for the three months ended September 30,
2004 was $(139,000), reflecting a decrease of $148,000 from the $(287,000) net
loss for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease in net loss is
primarily due to a decrease in equity in losses of limited partnerships of
$139,000 to $(76,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2004 from
$(215,000) for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The large decrease in
equity in losses is largely due to the fact that five lower tier partnership's
investment balances had reached zero, therefore, the acquisition fees and costs
associated with those properties were written off in the three months ended
September 30, 2004. Additionally, a decrease in loss from operations of $11,000
for the three months ended September 30, 2004 to $(63,000) from $(74,000) for
the three months ended September 30, 2003 was incurred due to a decrease in
accounting and legal fees and other expenses.

15



Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations, continued

Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30,
2003. The Partnership's net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2004 was
$(268,000), reflecting a decrease of $219,000 from the $(489,000) net loss for
the six months ended September 30, 2003. The decrease in net loss is primarily
due to a decrease in equity in losses of limited partnerships of $202,000 to
$(152,000) for the six months ended September 30, 2004 from $(354,000) for the
six months ended September 30, 2003. The large decrease in equity in losses is
largely due to the fact that five lower tier partnerships investment balances
had reached zero, therefore, the acquisition fees and costs associated with
those properties were written off in 2004.

Cash Flows

Six Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to Six Months Ended September 30,
2003. Net cash provided during the six months ended September 30, 2004 was
$5,000 compared to net cash used in the six months ended September 30, 2003 of
$(34,000). The increase of $39,000 was primarily due to an increase in
distributions received from limited partnerships of $20,000 and decrease in cash
paid for operating costs of $19,000.

During the six months ended September 30, 2004 accrued payables, which consist
primarily of asset management fees to the General Partner or affiliates,
increased by $74,000. The General Partner does not anticipate that these accrued
fees will be paid in full until such time as capital reserves are in excess of
future foreseeable working capital requirements of the partnership.

The General Partner does not anticipate that the accrued fees will be paid until
such time as capital reserves are in excess of future foreseeable working
capital requirements of the Partnership.

Anticipated future and existing cash resources of the Partnership are not
sufficient to pay existing liabilities of the partnership. Substantially all of
the liabilities of the Partnership are payable to the General Partner. Though a
substantial portion of the amounts payable to the General Partner are
contractually currently payable, the Partnership anticipates that the General
Partner will not require the payment of these contractual obligations until
capital reserves are in excess of the future foreseeable working capital
requirements of the Partnership. However, the Partnership is contractually
required to pay these obligations to the General Partner and/or its affiliates
on a current basis. The Partnership would be adversely affected should the
General Partner and/or its affiliates demand current payment of these
contractual obligations and or suspend services for this or any other reason.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks

NONE

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Partnership's General
Partner, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Associates carried out an evaluation of
the effectiveness of the Fund's "disclosure controls and procedures" as defined
in Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 13a-15 and 15d-15. Based on that
evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer have
concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, the
Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective in
timely alerting them to material information relating to the Partnership
required to be included in the Partnership's periodic SEC filings.

Changes in internal controls. There were no changes in the Partnership's
internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended
September 30, 2004 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to
materially affect, the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.



16





Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

NONE

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

NONE

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

NONE

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

NONE

Item 5. Other Information

NONE

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of the Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e), as adopted pursuant to section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (filed herewith)

32.1 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. (filed
herewith)

32.2 Section 1350 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. (filed
herewith)



17




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

WNC CALIFORNIA HOUSING TAX CREDITS III, L.P.

By: WNC California Tax Credit Partners III General Partner

By: WNC & Associates, Inc. General Partner




By: /s/ Wilfred N. Cooper Jr.
-------------------------

Wilfred N. Cooper, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer of WNC & Associates, Inc.

Date: January 25, 2005





By: /s/ Thomas J. Riha
------------------

Thomas J. Riha, Senior Vice President
Chief Financial Officer of WNC & Associates, Inc.

Date: January 25, 2005





18