N-CSR 1 ar53123itf.htm DWS INTERMEDIATE TAX-FREE FUND

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 

FORM N-CSR

 

Investment Company Act file number: 811-03632

 

Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

875 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10022-6225

(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (212) 454-4500

 

Diane Kenneally

100 Summer Street

Boston, MA 02110

(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

 

Date of fiscal year end: 5/31
   
Date of reporting period: 5/31/2023

 

ITEM 1. REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
   
  (a)

May 31, 2023
Annual Report
to Shareholders
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

This report must be preceded or accompanied by a prospectus. To obtain a summary prospectus, if available, or prospectus for any of our funds, refer to the Account Management Resources information provided in the back of this booklet. We advise you to consider the Fund’s objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. The summary prospectus and prospectus contain this and other important information about the Fund. Please read the prospectus carefully before you invest.
The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services.
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE
NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
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Bond investments are subject to interest-rate, credit, liquidity and market risks to varying degrees. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Investments in lower-quality (“junk bonds” ) and non-rated securities present greater risk of loss than investments in higher-quality securities. Municipal securities are subject to the risk that litigation, legislation or other political events, local business or economic conditions or the bankruptcy of the issuer could have a significant effect on an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and/or interest. The market for municipal bonds may be less liquid than for taxable bonds and there may be less information available on the financial condition of issuers of municipal securities than for public corporations. Although the Fund seeks income that is exempt from federal income taxes, a portion of the Fund’s distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax. Please read the prospectus for details.
War, terrorism, sanctions, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises, natural disasters, climate change and related geopolitical events have led and, in the future, may lead to significant disruptions in U.S. and world economies and markets, which may lead to increased market volatility and may have significant adverse effects on the Fund and its investments.
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Letter to Shareholders
Dear Shareholder:
This past year can be described as one where there were major structural disruptions and challenges impacting financial markets: record high inflation; end of ultra-loose monetary policy; impact of slower growth in China; ongoing political attacks on global trade; demographic change profoundly affecting more and more countries; and finally, the Ukraine conflict, the future course of which continues to be highly unpredictable.
It is therefore apparent that there will be no lack of challenges for investors in 2023. With looming recession concerns in the U.S. and Europe, we believe the prospects for equity returns will be challenging in 2023. Further, aggressive tightening by the Federal Reserve and international monetary authorities has increased pressure on banks and their ability to lend, and also negatively impacted the performance of fixed income securities. Inflation continues to remain above monetary authority targets, however there is early evidence that rate hikes by the Federal Reserve are beginning to take effect and cool the pace of rising prices.
Consequently, we believe that it is important for investors to diversify their investments given the level of volatility in markets. Balanced portfolios can help mitigate the negative impact of unexpected economic, geopolitical, and market events. While investment objectives are unique to each investor, we do believe there may be benefits to owning corporate and government bonds given their potential for yield as well as holding equities for their ability to counter the negative effects of persistent inflation.
In our view, these factors of market volatility, unpredictable economic events, and complex geo-political forces strongly underscore the value add of active portfolio management. The partnership between our portfolio managers and our CIO Office which synthesizes the views of more than 900 DWS economists, analysts and investment professionals around the world makes an important difference in making strategic and tactical decisions for the DWS Funds. Thank you for your trust. For ongoing updates to our market and economic outlook, please visit the “Insights”  section of dws.com.
Best regards,
Hepsen Uzcan
President, DWS Funds
Assumptions, estimates and opinions contained in this document constitute our judgment as of the date of the document and are subject to change without notice. Any projections are based on a number of assumptions as to market conditions and there can be no guarantee that any projected results will be achieved. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Management Review(Unaudited)
Market Overview and Fund Performance
All performance information below is historical and does not guarantee future results. Returns shown are for Class A shares, unadjusted for sales charges. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may differ from performance data shown. Please visit dws.com for the most recent month-end performance of all share classes. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had. Please refer to pages 10through 12for more complete performance information.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund posted a return of 0.57% over the 12 months ended May 31, 2023, while the Fund’s primary benchmark index, the Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1–15 Year Blend (1–17) Index, returned 1.16%. The average fund in the Morningstar Muni National Intermediate category returned 0.28% for the 12 months.
Along with the broader fixed-income market, municipal bonds experienced significant volatility for much of the 12 months ended May 31, 2023.
Entering the period, the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) had already begun to tighten monetary policy in the face of persistently high inflation by raising its benchmark overnight lending rate and ending its program of bond purchases aimed at keeping longer-term borrowing costs low. The Fed would implement a series of sharp rate hikes that brought the fed funds target to a range of 4.25% to 4.50% by the end of 2022, its highest level
Investment Strategy
The Fund can buy many types of municipal securities of all maturities. These may include revenue bonds (which are backed by revenues from a particular source) and general obligation bonds (which are typically backed by the issuer’s ability to levy taxes).
The Fund’s management team seeks to hold municipal bonds that appear to offer the best opportunity to meet the Fund’s objectives of providing a high level of income exempt from regular federal income taxes and limiting principal fluctuation. In making its buy and sell decisions, portfolio management typically weighs a number of factors against each other, from economic outlooks and possible interest rate movements to changes in supply and demand within the municipal bond market. Although portfolio management may adjust the dollar-weighted average effective maturity of the Fund’s portfolio between three and 10 years, it generally intends to keep it between five and 10 years.
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since the fall of 2007. U.S. consumer price inflation peaked at 9.1% in June of 2022 before receding slightly over the remainder of the year.
Entering 2023, as inflation showed signs of moderating markets became increasingly optimistic that the Fed and other leading central banks were poised to stop raising interest rates. January saw Treasury yields ease off their recent highs on the outlook for easier monetary policy. On February 1, the Fed raised rates by a comparatively moderate 25 points, to a target range of 4.50% to 4.75%.
March saw the failure of a handful of U.S. banks and the collapse of European giant Credit Suisse raise the prospect of a financial crisis. Municipal yields plummeted along with Treasury yields as the market factored in increased recession risks and anticipated an end to the Fed’s rate hiking cycle. At its March 23 meeting the Fed raised the fed funds target by a quarter-point to a range of 4.75%–5.0%. The rate hike was well-received by financial markets as a signal that the central bank believed the financial system remained on generally sound footing.
 “Along with the broader fixed-income market, municipal bonds experienced significant volatility for much of the 12 months ended May 31, 2023.” 
While new issue supply was significantly lower relative to the prior 12 months, municipal market prices were generally pressured by outflows from tax-free mutual funds and ETFs. Demand from separately managed accounts continued to support high quality issues with maturities below 10 years. For the 12 months, higher quality issues in the AAA and AA ratings categories led municipal market performance as recession fears weighed on credit sentiment broadly.
For the 12 months ended May 31, 2023, the two-year municipal bond yield went from 1.83% to 3.08%, the 10-year from 2.47% to 2.65%, and the 30-year from 2.81% to 3.55% (source: Thomson Reuters).
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

AAA Municipal Bond Yield Curve (as of 5/31/23 and 5/31/22)

Source: Refinitiv TM3 as of 5/31/23.
Chart is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent any DWS product.
Positive and Negative Contributors to Fund Performance
The Fund’s stance with respect to credit quality contributed positively to performance vs. the benchmark. During the period we were underweight issues in the AAA quality range which lagged the remainder of the municipal market. A corresponding overweight to issues in the A and BBB ratings categories added to performance as these segments outperformed higher quality issues within the intermediate maturity municipal market.
In sector terms, overweight exposures to multi-family housing, senior living and charter school issues detracted from performance relative to the benchmark. Conversely, overweights to hospitals and transportation, including airports, mass transit and toll roads, proved additive.
The Fund’s positioning along the municipal yield curve added to performance relative to the benchmark. Specifically, the Fund was underweight the two- to four-year segment of the curve where prices were most negatively impacted by rising interest rates over the period.
Outlook and Positioning
As of May 31, 2023, the municipal yield curve was relatively steep beyond 10 years, meaning that longer-term issues provide significant incremental income. In addition, the 5-year municipal yield was only 74% of the comparable Treasury yield, due partly to strong retail interest in shorter maturities. As a result, we believe a focus on longer maturity municipal issues is warranted. In particular, we are looking for opportunities in longer
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maturity bonds that have underperformed due to the increased volume of selling. Credit spreads for lower investment grade bonds look compelling in certain sectors when considering that credit fundamentals generally remain sound in our view.
Portfolio Management Team
Matthew J. Caggiano, CFA, Head of Investment Strategy Fixed Income
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2014.
Joined DWS in 1989.
Co-Head of Municipal Bond Department.
BS, Pennsylvania State University; MS, Boston College.
Chad H. Farrington, CFA, Head of Investment Strategy Fixed Income
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2021.
Joined DWS in 2018 with 20 years of industry experience; previously, worked as Portfolio Manager, Head of Municipal Research, and Senior Credit Analyst at Columbia Threadneedle.
Co-Head of Municipal Bond Department.
BS, Montana State University.
Patrick Gallagher, Portfolio Manager Fixed Income
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2021.
Joined DWS in 2003. Prior to his current role, he served as a Municipal Quantitative Analyst in the Municipal Bond Department. Previously, he served as an Insurance Reporting Supervisor in the Insurance Asset Management business and as Investment Accountant in the Private Wealth Management Division.
BA, Colby College.
Allyson McCann, Portfolio Manager Fixed Income
Portfolio Manager of the Fund. Began managing the Fund in 2022.
Joined DWS in 2022 with 14 years of industry experience.
Prior to joining DWS, Allyson served as portfolio manager focused on separately managed accounts at Breckenridge Capital Advisors, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, and BNY Mellon.
BSBA, Suffolk University; MBA, MsF, Northeastern University.
The views expressed reflect those of the portfolio management team only through the end of the period of the report as stated on the cover. The management team’s views are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions and should not be construed as a recommendation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Current and future portfolio holdings are subject to risk.
Terms to Know
The Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1–15 Year Blend (1–17) Index is a sub-index of the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index. It is a rules-based market value-weighted index of bonds with maturities of one year to 17 years designed for the tax-exempt bond market.
Index returns do not reflect fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

The Morningstar Muni National Intermediate category consists of funds that invest in municipal bonds issued by various state and local governments to fund public projects and are free from federal taxes. These funds have an average duration of more than 4.5 years but less than 7 years, or average maturity of more than 5 years but less than 12 years.
The yield curve is a graphic representation of how yields on bonds of different maturities compare. Normally, yield curves slant upward, as bonds with longer maturities typically offer higher yields than short-term bonds.
Duration, which is expressed in years, measures the sensitivity of the price of a bond or bond fund to a change in interest rates.
Contribution and detraction incorporate both an investment’s total return and its weighting in the Fund.
Overweight means that a fund holds a higher weighting in a given sector or security than its benchmark index. Underweight means that a fund holds a lower weighting.
Credit quality is the ability of an issuer of fixed-income securities to repay interest and principal in a timely manner. Credit quality is measured using credit ratings, i.e., assessments of the creditworthiness of a borrower such as a corporation, a municipality or a sovereign country by a credit ratings agency. Letter grades of “BBB”  and above indicate that the rated borrower is considered “investment grade”  by a particular ratings agency.
Credit spread refers to the excess yield offered by a lower quality bond relative to a higher quality bond of comparable maturity. When spreads widen, yield differences are increasing between the bonds being compared. When spreads narrow, the opposite is true.
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Performance SummaryMay 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Class A
1-Year
5-Year
10-Year
Average Annual Total Returnsas of 5/31/23
Unadjusted for Sales Charge
0.57%
1.30%
1.53%
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge
(max 2.75% load)
–2.20%
0.73%
1.25%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond
1-15 Year Blend (1-17) Index
1.16%
1.71%
2.05%
Class C
1-Year
5-Year
10-Year
Average Annual Total Returnsas of 5/31/23
Unadjusted for Sales Charge
–0.18%
0.56%
0.77%
Adjusted for the Maximum Sales Charge
(max 1.00% CDSC)
–0.18%
0.56%
0.77%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond
1-15 Year Blend (1-17) Index
1.16%
1.71%
2.05%
Class S
1-Year
5-Year
10-Year
Average Annual Total Returnsas of 5/31/23
No Sales Charges
0.92%
1.57%
1.79%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond
1-15 Year Blend (1-17) Index
1.16%
1.71%
2.05%
Institutional Class
1-Year
5-Year
10-Year
Average Annual Total Returnsas of 5/31/23
No Sales Charges
0.82%
1.55%
1.78%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond
1-15 Year Blend (1-17) Index
1.16%
1.71%
2.05%
Performance in the Average Annual Total Returns table above and the Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment line graph that follows is historical and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal fluctuate, so your shares may be worth more or less when redeemed. Current performance may differ from performance data shown. Please visit dws.com for the Fund’s most recent month-end performance. Fund performance includes reinvestment of all distributions. Unadjusted returns do not reflect sales charges and would have been lower if they had.
The gross expense ratios of the Fund, as stated in the fee table of the prospectus dated October 1, 2022 are 0.78%, 1.53%, 0.64% and 0.55% for Class A, Class C, Class S and Institutional Class shares, respectively, and may differ from the expense ratios disclosed in the Financial Highlights tables in this report.
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Index returns do not reflect any fees or expenses and it is not possible to invest directly into an index.
Performance figures do not reflect the deduction of taxes that a shareholder would pay on fund distributions or the redemption of fund shares.
A portion of the Fund’s distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes.
Generally accepted accounting principles require adjustments to be made to the net assets of the Fund at period end for financial reporting purposes only, and as such, the total return based on the unadjusted net asset value per share may differ from the total return reported in the financial highlights.
Growth of an Assumed $10,000 Investment
(Adjusted for Maximum Sales Charge)
 Yearly periods ended May 31

The Fund’s growth of an assumed $10,000 investment is adjusted for the maximum sales charge of 2.75%. This results in a net initial investment of $9,725.
The growth of $10,000 is cumulative.
Performance of other share classes will vary based on the sales charges and the fee structure of those classes.
Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1–15 Year Blend (1–17) Index is a sub-index of the Bloomberg
Municipal Bond Index. It is a rules-based market value-weighted index of bonds with
maturities of one year to 17 years designed for the tax-exempt bond market.
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Class A
Class C
Class S
Institutional
Class
Net Asset Value
5/31/23
$10.79
$10.79
$10.80
$10.79
5/31/22
$11.00
$11.00
$11.00
$11.00
Distribution Information as of 5/31/23
Income Dividends, Twelve Months
$.27
$.19
$.30
$.30
May Income Dividend
$.0241
$.0171
$.0264
$.0264
SEC 30-day Yield
2.80%
2.13%
3.13%
3.13%
Tax Equivalent Yield
4.73%
3.60%
5.29%
5.29%
Current Annualized Distribution Rate
2.63%
1.87%
2.88%
2.88%
The SEC yield is net investment income per share earned over the month ended
May 31, 2023, shown as an annualized percentage of the maximum offering price per
share on the last day of the period. The SEC yield is computed in accordance with a
standardized method prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC
yields would have been 2.76%, 3.05% and 3.05% for Class A, Class S and Institutional
Class shares, respectively, had certain expenses not been reduced. Tax equivalent yield
is based on the Fund’s yield and a marginal income tax rate of 40.8%. Current annualized
distribution rate is the latest monthly dividend shown as an annualized percentage of net
asset value on May 31, 2023. Distribution rate simply measures the level of dividends
and is not a complete measure of performance. The current annualized distribution rates
would have been 2.59%, 2.80% and 2.80% for Class A, Class S and Institutional Class
shares, respectively, had certain expenses not been reduced. Yields and distribution
rates are historical, not guaranteed and will fluctuate.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Portfolio Summary(Unaudited)
Asset Allocation(As a % of Investment Portfolio excluding
Open-End Investment Companies)
5/31/23
5/31/22
Revenue Bonds
78%
71%
General Obligation Bonds
12%
14%
Lease Obligations
7%
10%
Variable Rate Demand Notes
1%
2%
Escrow to Maturity/Prerefunded Bonds
1%
3%
Other
1%
0%
Variable Rate Demand Preferred Shares
0%
 
100%
100%
Interest Rate Sensitivity
5/31/23
5/31/22
Effective Maturity
6.0 years
5.3 years
Modified Duration
4.9 years
4.5 years
Effective maturity is the weighted average of the maturity date of  bonds held by the Fund taking
into consideration any available maturity shortening features.
Modified duration is an approximate measure of a fund’s sensitivity to movements in interest rates based on the current interest rate environment.
Quality(As a % of Investment Portfolio excluding Open-End
Investment Companies)
5/31/23
5/31/22
AAA
9%
11%
AA
40%
41%
A
33%
31%
BBB
12%
10%
BB
2%
2%
B
0%
Not Rated
4%
5%
 
100%
100%
The quality ratings represent the higher of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s” ), Fitch Ratings, Inc. (“Fitch” ) or S&P Global Ratings (“S&P” ) credit ratings. The ratings of Moody’s, Fitch and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Credit quality measures a bond issuer’s ability to repay interest and principal in a timely manner. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. Credit quality does not remove market risk and is subject to change.
Top Five State Allocations(As a % of Investment Portfolio
excluding Open-End Investment Companies)
5/31/23
5/31/22
New York
11%
12%
California
10%
12%
Pennsylvania
9%
7%
Texas
9%
9%
Georgia
8%
8%
Portfolio holdings and characteristics are subject to change.
For more complete details about the Fund’s investment portfolio, see page 14. A quarterly Fact Sheet is available on dws.com or upon request. Please see the Account Management Resources section on page 64for contact information.
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Investment Portfolioas of May 31, 2023
 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Municipal Investments 99.9%
Alabama 2.1%
Alabama, Black Belt Energy Gas District Gas
Project Revenue:
 
Series D-1, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 6/1/2027 @ 100,
7/1/2052, GTY: Royal Bank of Canada, LIQ: Royal Bank
of Canada
 
1,335,000
1,329,829
Series C-1, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 12/1/2026 @ 100,
10/1/2052, GTY: Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
 
7,000,000
6,924,420
Series B-1, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 10/1/2027 @ 100,
4/1/2053, GTY: Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
 
2,615,000
2,577,191
Series B, 5.25%, Mandatory Put 12/1/2030 @ 100,
12/1/2053, GTY: Royal Bank of Canada, LIQ: Royal
Bank of Canada
 
1,155,000
1,241,472
Southeast Alabama, Energy Authority A Cooperative
District, Series B-1, 5.0%, Mandatory Put 8/1/2028 @
100, 5/1/2053, GTY: Goldman Sachs & Co.
 
3,635,000
3,765,320
 
 
15,838,232
Alaska 0.1%
Alaska St, General Obligation, Series A, 5.0%, 8/1/2023
 
1,000,000
1,002,425
Arizona 1.8%
Arizona, Industrial Development Authority, Authority
Hospital Revenue Bond, Phoenix Childrens Hospital:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2030
 
600,000
669,707
Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2031
 
1,200,000
1,358,901
Arizona, Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and
Power District, Electric System Revenue:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2028
 
1,160,000
1,267,201
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2029
 
1,605,000
1,789,580
Arizona, State Industrial Development Authority Revenue,
“A” , Series 2019-2, 3.625%, 5/20/2033
 
4,681,103
4,279,698
Arizona, State Industrial Development Authority, Education
Revenue, Odyssey Preparatory Academy Project, 144A,
4.375%, 7/1/2039
 
1,500,000
1,309,702
Maricopa County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority,
Education Revenue, Legency Traditional School Project,
Series B, 144A, 5.0%, 7/1/2039
 
1,000,000
940,932
Yavapai County, AZ, Industrial Development Authority,
Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management,
Inc. Project, Series A-2, AMT, 2.2%, Mandatory Put
6/3/2024 @ 100, 3/1/2028
 
1,750,000
1,719,000
 
 
13,334,721
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
California 9.6%
Anaheim, CA, Housing & Public Improvements Authority,
Electric Utility Distribution System:
 
Series E, 5.0%, 10/1/2028
 
1,000,000
1,093,836
Series E, 5.0%, 10/1/2029
 
1,000,000
1,095,689
California, Bay Area Toll Authority, Toll Bridge Revenue:
 
Series D, MUNIPSA + 0.30%, 3.71% (a), Mandatory Put
4/1/2027 @ 100, 4/1/2056
 
3,000,000
2,926,545
Series C, MUNIPSA + 0.45%, 3.86% (a), Mandatory Put
4/1/2026 @ 100, 4/1/2056
 
1,000,000
988,650
California, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.,
Multi-Family Variable Rate Certificates:
 
Series M-049, 3.05%, 4/15/2034
 
2,250,000
2,019,086
“A", Series M-050, 144A, AMT, 3.05%, 6/15/2037
 
6,770,000
5,979,707
“A", Series ML-05, 3.35%, 11/25/2033, GTY: Freddie Mac
 
580,293
540,470
California, Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp.,
Tobacco Settlement, Series A-1, Prerefunded
6/1/2028 @ 100, 5.0%, 6/1/2032
 
5,000,000
5,560,857
California, Infrastructure & Economic Development Bank,
California Academy of Science, Series A, MUNIPSA +
0.35%, 3.76% (a), Mandatory Put 8/1/2024 @ 100,
8/1/2047
 
1,430,000
1,412,342
California, Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California, Series E, MUNIPSA + 0.14%, 3.55% (a),
Mandatory Put 5/21/2024 @100, 7/1/2037
 
2,120,000
2,113,497
California, Municiple District Water & Waste Water
Revenue, Series B, MUNIPSA + 0.1%, 3.51% (a),
Mandatory Put 7/1/2024 @ 100, 7/1/2046
 
3,910,000
3,886,208
California, State General Obligation, Various Purposes,
5.0%, 4/1/2036
 
7,000,000
7,735,092
California, State Housing Finance Agency, Multi-Family
Green Tax-Exempt Mortgage Backed Bonds, Noble
Towers Apartment, Series N, 2.35%, 12/1/2035
 
9,444,489
8,127,424
California, State Public Works Board, Lease Revenue,
Series A, 5.0%, 8/1/2033
 
3,500,000
4,063,257
Los Angeles, CA, Department of Airports Revenue, Los
Angeles International Airport:
 
Series H, AMT, 5.5%, 5/15/2036
 
1,820,000
2,063,411
Series H, AMT, 5.5%, 5/15/2037
 
4,985,000
5,604,756
San Francisco, CA, City & County Airports Commission,
International Airport Revenue, Series A, AMT, 5.0%,
5/1/2035
 
7,000,000
7,473,021
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Santa Barbara County, CA, Solid Waste System Revenue,
Certificates of Participation:
 
Series B, AMT, 5.0%, 12/1/2034
 
5,000,000
5,348,047
Series B, AMT, 5.0%, 12/1/2035
 
5,000,000
5,318,241
 
 
73,350,136
Colorado 2.2%
Colorado, General Obligation, Vauxmont Metropolitan
District, 3.25%, 12/15/2050, INS: AGMC
 
1,643,000
1,385,821
Colorado, State Housing & Finance Authority, Series H,
4.25%, 11/1/2049
 
1,505,000
1,497,906
Denver City & County, CO, Airport Revenue, Series D,
AMT, 5.75%, 11/15/2037
 
1,375,000
1,585,784
Denver City & County, CO, Airport Revenue System,
Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 12/1/2035
 
10,000,000
10,529,732
Denver, CO, Convention Center Hotel Authority Revenue:
 
5.0%, 12/1/2027
 
500,000
511,705
5.0%, 12/1/2033
 
500,000
508,375
5.0%, 12/1/2034
 
1,000,000
1,013,326
 
 
17,032,649
Connecticut 0.6%
Connecticut, State General Obligation, Series B, 3.0%,
6/1/2037
 
1,075,000
945,827
Connecticut, State Housing Finance Program Authority
Revenue, Series A-1, 4.0%, 11/15/2047
 
1,640,000
1,624,187
Connecticut, State Special Tax Obligation Revenue,
Transportation Infrastructure Purpose, Series A, 5.0%,
7/1/2038
 
1,565,000
1,761,532
 
 
4,331,546
Florida 5.9%
Broward County, FL, Airport Revenue System, Series A,
AMT, 5.0%, 10/1/2037
 
2,365,000
2,488,476
Escambia County, FL, Housing Finance Authority Single
Family Mortgage Revenue, County Program, Series A,
4.75%, 4/1/2050
 
2,165,000
2,174,946
Florida, Capital Project Finance Authority, Student Housing
Revenue, Series A-1, 5.0%, 10/1/2029
 
1,650,000
1,720,753
Florida, Capital Trust Agency, Educational Growth Fund,
Charter Educational Foundation Project, Seies A-1,
144A, 3.375%, 7/1/2031
 
2,100,000
1,960,337
Florida, Development Finance Corp., Educational Facilities
Revenue, Mater Academy Projects:
 
Series A, 144A, 5.0%, 11/15/2030
 
1,000,000
906,411
Series A, 5.0%, 6/15/2035
 
1,000,000
1,013,760
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
16
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Florida, Development Finance Corp., Brightline Florida
Passenger Rail Expansion Project, Series A, 144A, AMT,
7.25%, Mandatory Put 10/3/2023 @ 104, 7/1/2057
 
1,000,000
1,016,496
Florida, Development Finance Corp., Surface
Transportation Facilities Revenue, Virgin Trains USA
Passenger Rail Project:
 
Series A, 144A, AMT, 6.375%, Mandatory Put
1/1/2026 @ 100, 1/1/2049
 
2,000,000
1,910,002
Series A, 144A, AMT, 6.5%, Mandatory Put 1/1/2029 @
100, 1/1/2049
 
1,685,000
1,599,866
Florida, Reedy Creek Improvement District, Series A,
4.0%, 6/1/2032
 
1,500,000
1,541,318
Florida, State Department of Transportation, Florida
Right-of-Way Acquisition & Bridge Construction,
Series A, 4.0%, 7/1/2034
 
5,000,000
5,241,013
Florida, Tohopekaliga Water Utility System Revenue, 4.0%,
10/1/2032
 
2,145,000
2,190,766
Jacksonville, FL, Special Revenue, Series C, 5.25%,
10/1/2036
 
5,000,000
5,789,156
Lake County, FL, Educational Facilities Revenue, Imagine
South Lake Charter School Project, Series A, 144A,
5.0%, 1/15/2029
 
600,000
604,255
Lee County, FL, School Board Certificates of Participation,
Series A, 5.0%, 8/1/2027
 
4,360,000
4,430,601
Miami-Dade County, FL, School Board, Certificates of
Participation, Series D, 5.0%, 2/1/2029
 
7,000,000
7,253,184
Miami-Dade County, FL, Seaport Revenue, Series A, AMT,
5.0%, 10/1/2040
 
2,250,000
2,358,535
Village, FL, Community Development District No. 13,
Special Assessment Revenue, 3.0%, 5/1/2029
 
960,000
884,997
 
 
45,084,872
Georgia 7.7%
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue, Series B,
5.25%, 11/1/2027, INS: AGMC
 
10,000,000
10,722,829
Burke County, GA, Development Authority, Pollution
Control Revenue, Oglethorpe Power Corp., Series E,
3.25%, Mandatory Put 2/3/2025 @ 100, 11/1/2045
 
8,800,000
8,647,649
Cobb County, GA, Kennestone Hospital Authority, Wellstar
Health System, Inc. Project:
 
Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2032
 
200,000
203,701
Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2033
 
200,000
202,947
Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2034
 
250,000
253,542
Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2035
 
225,000
228,143
Series B, 4.0%, 4/1/2036
 
250,000
251,009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
17

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Georgia, George L Smith II World Congress Center
Authority, Convention Center Hotel Second Tier
Revenue, Series B, 144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2036
 
1,250,000
1,153,112
Georgia, Hospital Authority Revenue, WellStar Health
System Obligated Group, 5.0%, 4/1/2042
 
2,065,000
2,162,511
Georgia, Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas
Project Revenue:
 
Series C, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 12/1/2028 @ 100,
5/1/2052
 
10,000,000
9,924,009
Series A, 5.5%, 9/15/2024, GTY: Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
1,705,000
1,724,384
Georgia, Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas
Supply Revenue:
 
Series C, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 12/1/2023 @ 100,
8/1/2048, GTY: Royal Bank of Canada, LIQ: Royal Bank
of Canada
 
4,000,000
4,004,076
Series B, 4.0%, Mandatory Put 12/2/2024 @ 100,
8/1/2049, GTY: TD Bank NA
 
5,000,000
5,012,996
Series A, 5.0%, 5/15/2035, GTY: Macquarie Group Ltd.
 
3,135,000
3,254,752
Series B, 5.0%, Mandatory Put 3/1/2030 @ 100,
7/1/2053, GTY: Royal Bank of Canada
 
8,490,000
8,956,971
Monroe County, GA, Development Authority, Pollution
Control Revenue, Georgia Power Co. Plant
Scherer Project, Series 1st, 2.25%, 7/1/2025
 
2,295,000
2,176,009
 
 
58,878,640
Hawaii 0.6%
Hawaii, State General Obligation, Series FK, 4.0%,
5/1/2032
 
4,400,000
4,547,601
Illinois 6.8%
Chicago, IL, Board of Education, Series B, 4.0%, 12/1/2038
 
5,000,000
4,578,824
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Revenue:
 
Series C, AMT, 5.0%, 1/1/2035
 
715,000
778,733
AMT, 5.0%, 1/1/2036
 
500,000
538,637
Chicago, IL, O’Hare International Airport Revenue, Senior
Lien, Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 1/1/2036
 
2,500,000
2,632,812
Chicago, IL, Waterworks Revenue:
 
Series 2017-2, 5.0%, 11/1/2023
 
650,000
654,060
Series 2017-2, 5.0%, 11/1/2024
 
1,000,000
1,019,598
Illinois, Regional Transportation Authority, Series A, 5.5%,
7/1/2024, INS: NATL
 
5,000,000
5,095,585
Illinois, State Finance Authority Revenue, Series A, 5.0%,
10/1/2032
 
1,000,000
1,177,097
Illinois, State General Obligation:
 
5.0%, 8/1/2023
 
7,150,000
7,162,244
Series A, 5.0%, 3/1/2024
 
1,000,000
1,008,897
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
18
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Series B, 5.0%, 3/1/2024
 
1,200,000
1,210,677
5.0%, 11/1/2024
 
5,325,000
5,418,127
Series B, 5.0%, 5/1/2028
 
1,000,000
1,075,337
Series A, 5.0%, 3/1/2031
 
2,500,000
2,775,061
Series B, 5.25%, 10/1/2037
 
2,000,000
2,197,852
5.5%, 5/1/2024
 
500,000
507,712
5.5%, 5/1/2025
 
1,500,000
1,550,499
Series C, 5.5%, 10/1/2039
 
2,000,000
2,239,361
Illinois, State Municipal Electric Agency, Power Supply
Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2028
 
6,500,000
6,698,704
Springfield, IL, Electric Revenue, Senior Lien, 5.0%,
3/1/2029
 
3,500,000
3,562,898
 
 
51,882,715
Indiana 1.4%
Indiana, Finance Authority Republic Services Inc. Revenue,
Series B, 3.65%, Mandatory Put 6/1/2023 @ 100,
5/1/2028
 
1,000,000
1,000,000
Indiana, Finance Authority Revenue, Deaconess Health
System, Series B, MUNIPSA + 0.3%, 3.71% (a),
Mandatory Put 3/1/2027 @ 100, 3/1/2039
 
2,350,000
2,299,311
Indiana, Local Public Improvement Bond Bank, Airport
Authority Project, Series G-2, AMT, 5.25%, 1/1/2037
 
1,700,000
1,864,236
Indiana, Rockport Pollution Control Revenue, Michigan
Power Co. Project, Series A, 3.05%, 6/1/2025
 
3,700,000
3,631,552
Indiana, State Finance Authority Revenue, BHI Senior
Living Obligated Group, 5.0%, 11/15/2033
 
2,000,000
1,949,133
 
 
10,744,232
Iowa 0.4%
Iowa, State Student Loan Liquidity Corp., Senior Revenue,
Series B, AMT, 3.0%, 12/1/2039
 
280,000
261,103
Iowa, Tobacco Settlement Authority Revenue, Series B-1,
4.0%, 6/1/2049
 
2,935,000
2,874,072
 
 
3,135,175
Louisiana 0.2%
New Orleans, LA, Aviation Board Special Facility Revenue,
Parking Facilities Corp., Consol Garage System,
Series A, 5.0%, 10/1/2035, INS: AGMC
 
1,250,000
1,339,238
Massachusetts 2.1%
Massachusetts, Educational Financing Authority, Issue M,
Series B, AMT, 2.0%, 7/1/2037
 
545,000
455,733
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency
Revenue, CareGroup Obligated Group:
 
Series J-2, 5.0%, 7/1/2033
 
1,000,000
1,076,056
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
19

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Series J-2, 5.0%, 7/1/2034
 
2,000,000
2,149,997
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency
Revenue, Northeastern University, 5.0%, 10/1/2037
 
1,250,000
1,419,883
Massachusetts, State Educational Financing Authority,
Series B, AMT, 3.0%, 7/1/2035
 
140,000
139,846
Massachusetts, State General Obligation, 5.0%, 3/28/2024
 
1,337,366
1,354,568
Massachusetts, State Port Authority:
 
Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 7/1/2035
 
5,000,000
5,343,285
Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 7/1/2036
 
4,000,000
4,246,617
 
 
16,185,985
Michigan 2.4%
Michigan, State Building Authority Revenue, Series I,
5.0%, 4/15/2024
 
1,000,000
1,013,941
Michigan, State Finance Authority Revenue, Henry Ford
Health System, 5.0%, 11/15/2031
 
10,700,000
11,134,661
Michigan, State Strategic Fund Ltd., Obligation Revenue,
Improvement Project:
 
Series I-75, AMT, 5.0%, 6/30/2032
 
1,320,000
1,365,105
Series I-75, AMT, 5.0%, 12/31/2032
 
700,000
723,714
Series I-75, AMT, 5.0%, 12/31/2033
 
1,600,000
1,650,908
Michigan, Trunk Line Revenue, Rebuilding Michigan
Program, Series A, 4.0%, 11/15/2036
 
2,500,000
2,574,500
 
 
18,462,829
Minnesota 0.2%
Minnesota, State Office of Higher Education Revenue,
AMT, 2.65%, 11/1/2038
 
2,070,000
1,694,254
Mississippi 1.2%
Mississippi, State Gaming Tax Revenue:
 
Series E, 5.0%, 10/15/2028
 
4,755,000
4,921,524
Series A, 5.0%, 10/15/2036
 
4,000,000
4,221,507
 
 
9,143,031
Missouri 0.7%
Missouri, Higher Education Loan Authority Revenue,
Taxable Student Loan Asset Back Notes, “A1A” ,
Series 2021-1, 1.53%, 1/25/2061
 
5,009,936
4,238,764
Missouri, Plaza At Noah’s Ark Community Improvement
District, 3.0%, 5/1/2030
 
725,000
655,621
 
 
4,894,385
Nebraska 1.0%
Nebraska, Public Power District Revenue:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2035
 
1,410,000
1,579,221
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
20
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2037
 
2,750,000
3,031,512
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2038
 
3,000,000
3,282,799
 
 
7,893,532
Nevada 0.2%
Sparks, NV, Tourism Improvement District #1 Revenue,
Sales Tax, Series A, 144A, 2.75%, 6/15/2028
 
1,460,000
1,353,660
New Hampshire 0.9%
New Hampshire, Business Finance Authority Revenue:
 
Series 2022-2, 4.0%, 10/20/2036
 
2,975,771
2,771,528
Series 2022-1, 4.375%, 9/20/2036
 
3,954,161
3,814,882
 
 
6,586,410
New Jersey 3.9%
New Jersey, State Economic Development Authority
Revenue, Series SSS, 5.0%, 6/15/2035 (b)
 
4,230,000
4,509,791
New Jersey, State Economic Development Authority
Revenue, White Horse HMT Urban Renewal LLC
Project, 144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2040
 
1,505,000
1,074,673
New Jersey, State Economic Development Authority,
Motor Vehicle Surcharge Revenue, Series A, 3.125%,
7/1/2029
 
915,000
866,845
New Jersey, State General Obligation, 4.5%, 3/20/2024
 
4,410,300
4,437,399
New Jersey, State Higher Education Assistance Authority,
Student Loan Revenue:
 
Series B, AMT, 2.5%, 12/1/2040
 
830,000
688,938
Series B, AMT, 3.25%, 12/1/2039
 
1,190,000
1,121,933
Series B, AMT, 3.5%, 12/1/2039
 
1,600,000
1,519,252
Series B, AMT, 4.0%, 12/1/2041
 
5,000,000
4,922,119
New Jersey, State Transportation Trust Fund Authority
Revenue, Federal Highway Reimbursement Notes,
Series A, 5.0%, 6/15/2029
 
970,000
1,014,341
New Jersey, State Transportation Trust Fund Authority,
Transportation Systems:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 6/15/2034
 
1,700,000
1,896,741
Series AA, 5.0%, 6/15/2036
 
2,000,000
2,157,694
Series CC, 5.0%, 6/15/2038
 
2,000,000
2,150,800
New Jersey, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp., Series A,
5.0%, 6/1/2030
 
3,000,000
3,220,753
 
 
29,581,279
New Mexico 0.3%
New Mexico, State Mortgage Finance Authority, Series C,
4.0%, 1/1/2050
 
2,355,000
2,328,489
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
21

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
New York 11.2%
Broome County, NY, Local Development Corp., Revenue,
United Health Services Hospitals, Inc., Project:
 
3.0%, 4/1/2035, INS: AGMC
 
1,820,000
1,594,464
3.0%, 4/1/2036, INS: AGMC
 
1,750,000
1,499,361
New York, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Revenue:
 
Series 2012-G1, 4.0% (c), 6/1/2023, LOC: Barclays Bank
PLC
 
2,800,000
2,800,000
Series E-1, 4.0% (c), 6/1/2023, LOC: Barclays Bank PLC
 
3,860,000
3,860,000
Series B, 5.0%, 11/15/2028
 
3,170,000
3,368,955
Series C-1, 5.0%, 11/15/2028
 
1,200,000
1,276,256
Series A-2, 5.0%, Mandatory Put 5/15/2030 @100,
11/15/2045
 
5,335,000
5,720,525
New York, State Dormitory Authority Revenues, Non-State
Supported Debt, North Shore-Long Island Jewish
Obligated Group, Series A, 5.0%, 5/1/2028
 
8,820,000
9,105,495
New York, State Liberty Development Corp. Revenue, A
World Trade Center Project, Series A, 1.9%, 11/15/2031
 
800,000
676,715
New York, State Liberty Development Corp., Second
Priority Liberty Revenue, “1” , 2.45%, 9/15/2069
 
5,000,000
4,541,845
New York, State Thruway Authority, Series J, 5.0%,
1/1/2028
 
10,000,000
10,082,757
New York, State Transportation Development Corp., Special
Facility Revenue, Delta Air Lines, Inc., LaGuardia Airport
Terminals C&D Redevelopment Project, AMT, 5.0%,
1/1/2026
 
3,970,000
4,049,846
New York, State Transportation Development Corp., Special
Facility Revenue, Terminal 4 John F. Kennedy
International Airport Project, AMT, 5.0%, 12/1/2030
 
5,000,000
5,361,415
New York, State Urban Development Corp., Personal
Income Tax Revenue, Series C, 5.0%, 3/15/2036
 
5,000,000
5,588,860
New York, Utility Debt Securitization Authority,
Restructuring Revenue, Series TE, 5.0%, 12/15/2038
 
7,000,000
8,059,967
New York City, NY, Transitional Finance Authority Revenue,
Future Tax Secured:
 
Series B1, 5.0%, 11/1/2027
 
750,000
759,345
Series B1, 5.0%, 11/1/2028
 
1,175,000
1,189,534
Series B1, 5.0%, 11/1/2029
 
935,000
946,650
New York City, NY, Transitional Finance Authority, Building
Aid Revenue, Series S-3, 5.0%, 7/15/2035
 
5,000,000
5,448,299
New York, NY, General Obligation:
 
Series C, 4.0%, 8/1/2037
 
1,000,000
1,013,628
Series E-1, 5.0%, 4/1/2038
 
900,000
1,009,901
Series E-1, 5.0%, 4/1/2039
 
1,250,000
1,394,177
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
22
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Town of Oyster Bay, NY, State General Obligation, 5.0%,
3/8/2024
 
1,149,500
1,163,031
Troy, NY, Capital Resource Corp. Revenue, Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 9/1/2030
 
1,345,000
1,483,880
Series A, 5.0%, 9/1/2031
 
2,020,000
2,220,350
Series A, 5.0%, 9/1/2032
 
1,250,000
1,368,546
 
 
85,583,802
North Carolina 0.7%
North Carolina, Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority
Revenue, AMT, 5.25%, 7/1/2042, INS: AGMC
 
1,150,000
1,247,436
North Carolina, State Turnpike Authority, Monroe
Expressway System:
 
5.0%, 7/1/2035
 
820,000
936,440
5.0%, 7/1/2036
 
1,000,000
1,132,396
5.0%, 7/1/2037
 
1,000,000
1,123,528
5.0%, 7/1/2038
 
500,000
561,006
 
 
5,000,806
North Dakota 0.4%
North Dakota, State Housing Finance Agency, Home
Mortgage Program, Series B, MUNIPSA + 0.2%, 3.61%
(a), Mandatory Put 7/1/2024 @100, 1/1/2043
 
3,075,000
3,061,642
Ohio 1.8%
City of Akron, OH, City of Akron, Income Tax Revenue:
 
4.0%, 12/1/2029
 
1,500,000
1,575,392
4.0%, 12/1/2030
 
1,210,000
1,263,196
4.0%, 12/1/2031
 
1,105,000
1,147,885
Ohio, Air Quality Development Authority, Series A, AMT,
4.25%, Mandatory Put 6/1/2027 @ 100, 11/1/2039
 
1,000,000
988,707
Ohio, Akron, Bath & Copley Joint Township Hospital
District Revenue, Summa Health System, 4.0%,
11/15/2035
 
1,665,000
1,563,767
Ohio, Hospital Facility Revenue, Cleveland Clinic Health
System Obligated Group, Series B, 5.0%, 1/1/2029
 
1,715,000
1,886,142
Ohio, State Hospital Revenue, Aultman Health Foundation,
144A, 5.0%, 12/1/2028
 
5,000,000
4,972,145
 
 
13,397,234
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
23

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Oregon 0.4%
Oregon, State Facilities Authority Revenue, Peacehealth
Systems, Series B, 3.9% (c), 6/1/2023, LOC: TD Bank
NA
 
400,000
400,000
Oregon, State Housing & Community Services
Department, Mortgage Revenue, Series A, 4.5%,
1/1/2049
 
2,320,000
2,319,322
 
 
2,719,322
Pennsylvania 9.1%
Allegheny County, PA, Hospital Development Authority,
Allegheny Health Network Obligated Group, Series A,
5.0%, 4/1/2034
 
5,000,000
5,282,117
Lancaster County, PA, Hospital Authority, Brethren Village
Project, 5.125%, 7/1/2037
 
1,000,000
915,773
Montgomery County, PA, Higher Education & Health
Authority, State Presbyterian Homes, Inc. Project:
 
5.0%, 12/1/2027
 
2,735,000
2,743,442
5.0%, 12/1/2032
 
2,745,000
2,700,223
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development
Authority, Meadowood Senior Living Project, Series A,
5.0%, 12/1/2033
 
8,435,000
8,380,604
Pennsylvania, Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority,
Sewer System Revenue:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 12/1/2038, INS: AGMC
 
1,025,000
1,144,003
Series A, 5.0%, 12/1/2040, INS: AGMC
 
1,625,000
1,793,657
Pennsylvania, Higher Education Assistance Agency
Education Loan Revenue:
 
Series A, AMT, 2.45%, 6/1/2041
 
4,030,000
3,322,653
Series A, AMT, 2.625%, 6/1/2042
 
580,000
486,815
Pennsylvania, State Certificates of Participation:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2029
 
300,000
326,572
Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2031
 
850,000
929,652
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing
Authority Revenue, UPMC Obligated Group:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 2/1/2028
 
3,000,000
3,051,585
Series A-2, 5.0%, 5/15/2039
 
1,200,000
1,306,333
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing
Authority Tax-Exempt Private Activity Revenue, Major
Bridges Package One Project:
 
AMT, 5.5%, 6/30/2037
 
2,400,000
2,626,432
AMT, 5.5%, 6/30/2038
 
3,000,000
3,265,499
AMT, 5.5%, 6/30/2039
 
4,000,000
4,331,747
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
24
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Pennsylvania, State Economic Development Financing
Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste
Management, Inc. Project, AMT, 2.15%, Mandatory Put
7/1/2024 @ 100, 7/1/2041, GTY: Waste Management,
Inc.
 
1,250,000
1,225,505
Pennsylvania, State Housing Finance Agency, Single
Family Mortgage Revenue:
 
Series 119, AMT, 3.5%, 10/1/2041
 
685,000
679,030
Series 122, AMT, 4.0%, 10/1/2046
 
2,370,000
2,353,078
Pennsylvania, State Turnpike Commission Revenue:
 
Series C, 5.0%, 12/1/2028
 
2,950,000
3,031,929
Series B, 5.0%, 6/1/2029
 
5,000,000
5,259,238
Series FIRST, 5.0%, 12/1/2039
 
860,000
941,717
Series FIRST, 5.0%, 12/1/2040
 
855,000
935,634
Series FIRST, 5.0%, 12/1/2041
 
855,000
928,663
Series C, Prerefunded 12/1/2023 @ 100, 5.5%,
12/1/2028
 
1,000,000
1,010,562
Philadelphia, PA, School District:
 
Series F, 5.0%, 9/1/2030
 
8,970,000
9,349,700
Series F, Prerefunded 9/1/2026 @ 100, 5.0%, 9/1/2030
 
30,000
31,856
Pittsburgh, PA, Water & Sewer System Revenue, First
Lien, Series C, MUNIPSA + 0.65%, 4.06% (a),
Mandatory Put 12/1/2023 @ 100, 9/1/2040, INS: AGMC
 
1,000,000
1,000,082
 
 
69,354,101
Rhode Island 0.5%
Rhode Island, Health and Educational Building Corp.
Revenue, Providence College, 5.0%, 11/1/2041
 
1,500,000
1,633,550
Rhode Island, Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp.,
Series B, 4.5%, 6/1/2045
 
2,375,000
2,330,278
 
 
3,963,828
South Carolina 0.0%
South Carolina, State Housing Finance & Development
Authority, Mortgage Revenue, Series A, 4.0%, 1/1/2050
 
260,000
257,082
Tennessee 1.3%
Greeneville, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board,
Hospital Revenue, Ballad Health Obligation Group,
Series A, 5.0%, 7/1/2035
 
2,500,000
2,638,875
Memphis & Shelby County, TN, New Memphis Arena
Public Building Authority, City of Memphis Project:
 
0%–4.0%, 4/1/2029 (d)
 
1,100,000
982,560
0%–4.0%, 4/1/2030 (d)
 
750,000
666,786
Metropolitan Nashville, TN, Airport Authority Revenue,
Series B, AMT, 5.5%, 7/1/2038
 
1,625,000
1,814,362
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
25

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Shelby County, TN, State General Obligation, Series B,
4.0%, 4/1/2034
 
3,330,000
3,486,426
Tennessee, Housing Development Agency, Residential
Financing Program Revenue, Series 1C, AMT, 3.0%,
7/1/2038
 
20,000
19,972
 
 
9,608,981
Texas 8.7%
Austin, TX, Airport System Revenue, AMT, 5.0%,
11/15/2033
 
1,250,000
1,381,196
Austin, TX, Water & Wastewater System Revenue, 5.0%,
11/15/2038
 
3,500,000
3,957,059
Central Texas, Regional Mobility Authority Revenue, Senior
Lien, Series E, 4.0%, 1/1/2037
 
1,500,000
1,500,549
Dallas, TX, Fort Worth International Airport, Series B, 5.0%,
11/1/2037
 
1,200,000
1,339,084
Houston, TX, Airport Revenue System, Series A, AMT,
4.0%, 7/1/2038
 
2,000,000
1,947,035
Houston, TX, Hotel Occupancy Tax And Special Revenue,
Convention And Entertainment Facilities Department:
 
5.0%, 9/1/2027
 
1,590,000
1,696,405
5.0%, 9/1/2028
 
1,350,000
1,462,053
Lower Colorado, TX, Lower Colorado River Authority,
5.0%, 5/15/2032, INS: AGMC
 
2,685,000
3,068,052
Lower Colorado, TX, State Transmission Contract Authority
Revenue, LCRA Transmission Services Corp., Project,
5.0%, 5/15/2041, INS: AGMC
 
5,000,000
5,468,090
North Texas, Tollway Authority Revenue:
 
Series A, 5.0%, 1/1/2024
 
1,000,000
1,007,471
Series A, 5.25%, 1/1/2038
 
2,500,000
2,784,686
Northside, TX, Independent School District, 1.6%,
Mandatory Put 8/1/2024 @ 100, 8/1/2049
 
2,940,000
2,853,898
Pearland, TX, General Obligation, Series B, 5.0%, 3/1/2024
 
1,000,000
1,012,066
Texas, Aldine Independent School District, 4.0%,
2/15/2032
 
3,000,000
3,065,474
Texas, Industrial Development Corp. Revenue, Energy
Transfer LP, 4.05%, Mandatory Put 6/1/2033 @ 100,
11/1/2050
 
1,275,000
1,280,425
Texas, Lamar Consolidated Independent School District:
 
5.0%, 2/15/2041
 
2,530,000
2,794,083
5.0%, 2/15/2042
 
3,045,000
3,349,571
5.0%, 2/15/2043
 
2,625,000
2,882,899
Texas, New Hope Cultural Education Facilities Finance
Corp., Education Revenue, Cumberland Academy
Project, Series A, 144A, 5.0%, 8/15/2040
 
6,000,000
5,475,296
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
26
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Texas, State Department of Housing & Community Affairs,
2.17%, 5/1/2038
 
5,813,847
4,394,317
Texas, State Municipal Gas Acquisition & Supply Corp. I,
Gas Supply Revenue, Series D, 6.25%, 12/15/2026,
GTY: Merrill Lynch & Co.
 
5,755,000
5,981,536
Texas, State Private Activity Bond, Surface Transportation
Corp. Revenue, Senior Lien Revenue:
 
Series A, 4.0%, 12/31/2035
 
500,000
483,643
Series A, 4.0%, 12/31/2036
 
2,000,000
1,906,360
Texas, State Water Development Board, Series A, 4.0%,
10/15/2032
 
5,000,000
5,137,806
 
 
66,229,054
Utah 0.7%
Salt Lake City, UT, Airport Revenue, Series A, AMT, 5.0%,
7/1/2035
 
5,000,000
5,254,156
Utah, State Telecommunication Open Infrastructure
Agency Sales Tax and Telecommunications Revenue,
5.25%, 6/1/2037
 
250,000
280,980
 
 
5,535,136
Vermont 0.2%
Vermont, State Educational & Health Buildings Financing
Agency Revenue, St. Michael’s College, 144A, 5.0%,
10/1/2033
 
1,500,000
1,495,142
Virginia 4.7%
Hampton Roads, VA, Transportation Accountability
Commission Revenue, Senior Lien Revenue:
 
Series A, 4.0%, 7/1/2036
 
2,070,000
2,117,840
Series A, 4.0%, 7/1/2038
 
4,370,000
4,391,881
Virginia, Small Business Financing Authority:
 
AMT, 4.0%, 1/1/2030
 
1,500,000
1,489,618
AMT, 4.0%, 7/1/2030
 
1,000,000
992,571
Virginia, State College Building Authority, Educational
Facilities Revenue, 21st Century College, Series B,
4.0%, 2/1/2029
 
18,755,000
19,262,191
Virginia, State Public School Authority, School Financing,
Series B, 4.0%, 8/1/2029
 
7,060,000
7,260,726
 
 
35,514,827
Washington 4.2%
King County, WA, Junior Lien Sewer Revenue, Series A,
MUNIPSA + 0.23%, 3.64% (a), Mandatory Put
1/1/2027 @ 100, 1/1/2040
 
3,845,000
3,748,264
Port of Seattle, WA:
 
Series B, AMT, 5.0%, 8/1/2036
 
3,570,000
3,849,273
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
27

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
AMT, 5.0%, 8/1/2037
 
5,000,000
5,346,677
Washington, Central Puget Sound Regional Transit
Authority Sales & Use Taxes Revenue, Motor Vehicle
Excise Tax Improvement, Green Bond, Series 2A,
MUNIPSA + 0.2%, 3.61% (a), Mandatory Put
11/1/2026 @ 100, 11/1/2045
 
5,385,000
5,259,993
Washington, Seattle Municipal Light & Power Revenue,
Series B, MUNIPSA + 0.25%, 3.66% (a), Mandatory Put
11/1/2026 @ 100, 5/1/2045
 
895,000
872,534
Washington, State Convention Center Public
Facilities District:
 
Series B, 3.0%, 7/1/2036
 
5,185,000
4,402,669
4.0%, 7/1/2031
 
3,000,000
2,860,344
Washington, State Health Care Facilities Authority
Revenue, Virginia Mason Medical Center, 5.0%,
8/15/2029
 
2,300,000
2,400,829
Washington, State Housing Finance Commission, Horizon
House Project:
 
144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2028
 
750,000
729,353
144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2029
 
840,000
810,633
144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2031
 
1,030,000
977,561
144A, 5.0%, 1/1/2033
 
1,050,000
978,624
 
 
32,236,754
West Virginia 0.5%
West Virginia, State Economic Development Authority,
Solid Waste Disposal Facility, Arch Resources Project,
Series A, AMT, 4.125%, Mandatory Put 7/1/2025 @ 100,
7/1/2045
 
1,250,000
1,230,289
West Virginia, State Hospital Finance Authority Revenue,
State University Health System Obligated Group,
Series A, 5.0%, 6/1/2032
 
2,400,000
2,501,987
 
 
3,732,276
Wisconsin 1.2%
Wisconsin, Department of Transportation Vehicle
Fee Revenue:
 
Series 1, 5.0%, 7/1/2030 (b)
 
4,000,000
4,385,209
Series 1, 5.0%, 7/1/2031 (b)
 
4,000,000
4,440,775
Wisconsin, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority
Revenue, Marshfield Clinic Health System, Inc.,
Series A, 4.0% (c), 6/1/2023, LOC: Barclays Bank PLC
 
600,000
600,000
 
 
9,425,984
Puerto Rico 0.7%
Puerto Rico, General Obligation:
 
Series A1, 4.0%, 7/1/2033
 
1,000,000
920,043
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
28
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

 
Principal
Amount ($)
Value ($)
Series A1, 5.75%, 7/1/2031
 
1,910,000
2,060,773
Puerto Rico, Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Revenue,
Series A-1, Zero Coupon, 7/1/2031
 
3,000,000
2,081,158
 
 
5,061,974
Other 1.3%
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., Multi-Family Variable
Rate Certificates:
 
“A” , Series M-024, AMT, 2.304%, 5/15/2027
 
360,000
337,273
“A” , Series M-051, 144A, 2.65%, 6/15/2035
 
7,645,000
6,462,895
Freddie Mac, Multi-Family, “Class A” , 3.4%, 1/25/2036,
GTY: Freddie Mac
 
1,403,962
1,308,510
Freddie Mac Multi-Family ML Certificates, “A-CA” ,
Series 2020-ML08, 1.896%, 11/25/2037, GTY:
Freddie Mac
 
2,731,026
2,115,267
 
 
10,223,945
Total Municipal Investments (Cost $784,925,919)
761,027,926
Government & Agency Obligations 0.4%
U.S. Treasury Obligations
U.S. Treasury Note, 0.875%, 11/15/2030 (Cost $3,706,648)
 
3,800,000
3,124,164
 
Shares
Value ($)
Open-End Investment Companies 0.0%
BlackRock Liquidity Funds MuniCash Portfolio, Institutional
Shares, 3.26% (e) (Cost $12,270)
 
12,271
12,271
 
 
% of Net
Assets
Value ($)
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $788,644,837)
100.3
764,164,361
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net
(0.3
)
(2,299,962
)
Net Assets
100.0
761,864,399
(a)
Variable or floating rate security. These securities are shown at their current rate as of
May 31, 2023. For securities based on a published reference rate and spread, the
reference rate and spread are indicated within the description above. Certain variable
rate securities are not based on a published reference rate and spread but adjust
periodically based on current market conditions, prepayment of underlying positions
and/or other variables. Securities with a floor or ceiling feature are disclosed at the
inherent rate, where applicable.
(b)
When-issued security.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
29

(c)
Variable rate demand notes are securities whose interest rates are reset periodically
(usually daily mode or weekly mode) by remarketing agents based on current market
levels, and are not directly set as a fixed spread to a reference rate. These securities
may be redeemed at par by the holder through a put or tender feature, and are shown
at their current rates as of May 31, 2023. Date shown reflects the earlier of demand
date or stated maturity date.
(d)
Security is a “step-up”  bond where the coupon increases or steps-up at a
predetermined date. The range of rates shown is the current coupon rate through the
final coupon rate, date shown is the final maturity date.
(e)
Current yield; not a coupon rate.
144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933.
These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to
qualified institutional buyers.
AGMC: Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
AMT: Subject to alternative minimum tax.
GTY: Guaranty Agreement
INS: Insured
LIQ: Liquidity Facility
LOC: Letter of Credit
MUNIPSA: SIFMA Municipal Swap Index Yield
NATL: National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized usually by U.S. Treasury
securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt
issues and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
SIFMA: Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association
Fair Value Measurements
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2023 in valuing the Fund’s investments. For information on the Fund’s policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Security Valuation section of Note A in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Assets
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Municipal Investments (a)
$
$761,027,926
$
$761,027,926
Government & Agency Obligations
3,124,164
3,124,164
Open-End Investment Companies
12,271
12,271
Total
$12,271
$764,152,090
$
$764,164,361
(a)
See Investment Portfolio for additional detailed categorizations.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
30
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as of May 31, 2023
Assets
Investment in securities, at value (cost $788,644,837)
$764,164,361
Receivable for investments sold
2,065,396
Receivable for Fund shares sold
916,430
Interest receivable
9,583,655
Other assets
43,478
Total assets
776,773,320
Liabilities
 
Payable for investments purchased when-issued securities
13,472,051
Payable for Fund shares redeemed
504,942
Distributions payable
417,406
Accrued management fee
155,675
Accrued Trustees' fees
8,683
Other accrued expenses and payables
350,164
Total liabilities
14,908,921
Net assets, at value
$761,864,399
Net Assets Consist of
 
Distributable earnings (loss)
(34,298,129
)
Paid-in capital
796,162,528
Net assets, at value
$761,864,399
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
31

Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of May 31, 2023 (continued)
Net Asset Value
 
Class A
Net Asset Value and redemption price per share
($107,175,800 ÷ 9,928,678 outstanding shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
$10.79
Maximum offering price per share (100 ÷ 97.25 of $10.79)
$11.10
Class C
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price
(subject to contingent deferred sales charge) per share
($2,259,662 ÷ 209,381 outstanding shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
$10.79
Class S
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
($247,935,180 ÷ 22,964,296 outstanding shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
$10.80
Institutional Class
Net Asset Value, offering and redemption price per share
($404,493,757 ÷ 37,474,347 outstanding shares of beneficial interest,
$.01 par value, unlimited number of shares authorized)
$10.79
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
32
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Statement of Operations
for the year ended May 31, 2023
Investment Income
 
Income:
Interest
$26,305,135
Expenses:
Management fee
2,557,537
Administration fee
787,559
Services to shareholders
999,112
Distribution and service fees
308,277
Custodian fee
9,195
Professional fees
81,014
Reports to shareholders
58,310
Registration fees
94,459
Trustees' fees and expenses
34,028
Other
51,540
Total expenses before expense reductions
4,981,031
Expense reductions
(659,374
)
Total expenses after expense reductions
4,321,657
Net investment income
21,983,478
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) from investments
(9,232,307
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
(8,443,642
)
Net gain (loss)
(17,675,949
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
$4,307,529
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
33

Statements of Changes in Net Assets
 
Years Ended May 31,
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
2023
2022
Operations:
Net investment income
$21,983,478
$20,464,050
Net realized gain (loss)
(9,232,307
)
(860,455
)
Change in net unrealized appreciation
(depreciation)
(8,443,642
)
(80,027,679
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting
from operations
4,307,529
(60,424,084
)
Distributions to shareholders:
Class A
(2,841,602
)
(3,228,085
)
Class C
(45,920
)
(77,277
)
Class S
(7,559,115
)
(8,775,933
)
Institutional Class
(11,452,072
)
(11,380,469
)
Total distributions
(21,898,709
)
(23,461,764
)
Fund share transactions:
Proceeds from shares sold
274,897,639
241,513,647
Reinvestment of distributions
17,052,725
18,363,318
Payments for shares redeemed
(399,063,289
)
(266,344,420
)
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund
share transactions
(107,112,925
)
(6,467,455
)
Increase (decrease) in net assets
(124,704,105
)
(90,353,303
)
Net assets at beginning of period
886,568,504
976,921,807
Net assets at end of period
$761,864,399
$886,568,504
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
34
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Financial Highlights
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Class A
 
Years Ended May 31,
 
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
$11.60
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
.27
.22
.28
.30
.31
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(.21
)
(.98
)
.29
.02
.28
Total from investment operations
.06
(.76
)
.57
.32
.59
Less distributions from:
Net investment income
(.27
)
(.22
)
(.28
)
(.30
)
(.31
)
Net realized gains
(.04
)
(.07
)
(.10
)
(.00
)*
Total distributions
(.27
)
(.26
)
(.35
)
(.40
)
(.31
)
Net asset value, end of period
$10.79
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
Total Return (%)a,b
.57
(6.42
)
4.81
2.73
5.25
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)
107
123
155
144
154
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions(%)
.78
.78
.78
.78
.79
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions(%)
.74
.73
.72
.77
.78
Ratio of net investment income (%)
2.50
1.92
2.33
2.55
2.70
Portfolio turnover rate (%)
47
47
38
41
61
a
Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
b
Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
*
Amount is less than $.005.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
35

DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Class C
 
Years Ended May 31,
 
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
$11.59
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
.19
.14
.19
.21
.23
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(.21
)
(.98
)
.29
.02
.29
Total from investment operations
(.02
)
(.84
)
.48
.23
.52
Less distributions from:
Net investment income
(.19
)
(.14
)
(.19
)
(.21
)
(.23
)
Net realized gains
(.04
)
(.07
)
(.10
)
(.00
)*
Total distributions
(.19
)
(.18
)
(.26
)
(.31
)
(.23
)
Net asset value, end of period
$10.79
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
Total Return (%)a,b
(.18
)
(7.12
)
4.03
1.97
4.56
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)
2
4
7
20
28
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions(%)
1.56
1.53
1.53
1.54
1.56
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions(%)
1.49
1.48
1.48
1.52
1.53
Ratio of net investment income (%)
1.72
1.17
1.60
1.80
1.95
Portfolio turnover rate (%)
47
47
38
41
61
a
Total return does not reflect the effect of any sales charges.
b
Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
*
Amount is less than $.005.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
36
|
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Class S
 
Years Ended May 31,
 
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.00
$12.03
$11.80
$11.88
$11.60
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
.30
.25
.31
.33
.34
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(.20
)
(.99
)
.30
.02
.28
Total from investment operations
.10
(.74
)
.61
.35
.62
Less distributions from:
Net investment income
(.30
)
(.25
)
(.31
)
(.33
)
(.34
)
Net realized gains
(.04
)
(.07
)
(.10
)
(.00
)*
Total distributions
(.30
)
(.29
)
(.38
)
(.43
)
(.34
)
Net asset value, end of period
$10.80
$11.00
$12.03
$11.80
$11.88
Total Return (%)a
.92
(6.26
)
5.16
2.99
5.51
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)
248
320
362
443
543
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions(%)
.63
.64
.61
.62
.63
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions(%)
.49
.48
.48
.52
.53
Ratio of net investment income (%)
2.74
2.17
2.58
2.80
2.95
Portfolio turnover rate (%)
47
47
38
41
61
a
Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
*
Amount is less than $.005.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
|
37

DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund Institutional Class
 
Years Ended May 31,
 
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Selected Per Share Data
Net asset value, beginning of period
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
$11.60
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment income
.30
.25
.31
.33
.34
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
(.21
)
(.98
)
.29
.02
.28
Total from investment operations
.09
(.73
)
.60
.35
.62
Less distributions from:
Net investment income
(.30
)
(.25
)
(.31
)
(.33
)
(.34
)
Net realized gains
(.04
)
(.07
)
(.10
)
(.00
)*
Total distributions
(.30
)
(.29
)
(.38
)
(.43
)
(.34
)
Net asset value, end of period
$10.79
$11.00
$12.02
$11.80
$11.88
Total Return (%)a
.82
(6.18
)
5.07
2.99
5.52
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)
404
440
453
356
327
Ratio of expenses before expense reductions(%)
.55
.55
.54
.55
.55
Ratio of expenses after expense reductions(%)
.49
.48
.47
.52
.53
Ratio of net investment income (%)
2.75
2.17
2.57
2.80
2.93
Portfolio turnover rate (%)
47
47
38
41
61
a
Total return would have been lower had certain expenses not been reduced.
*
Amount is less than $.005.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Notes to Financial Statements
A.
Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund” ) is a diversified series of Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust (the “Trust” ), which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act” ), as an open-end management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
The Fund offers multiple classes of shares which provide investors with different purchase options. Class A shares are subject to an initial sales charge. Class C shares are not subject to an initial sales charge but are subject to higher ongoing expenses than Class A shares and a contingent deferred sales charge payable upon certain redemptions within one year of purchase. Class C shares automatically convert to Class A shares in the same fund after 8 years, provided that the Fund or the financial intermediary through which the shareholder purchased the Class C shares has records verifying that the Class C shares have been held for at least 8 years. Class S shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are available through certain intermediary relationships with financial services firms, or can be purchased by establishing an account directly with the Fund’s transfer agent. Institutional Class shares are not subject to initial or contingent deferred sales charges and are generally available only to qualified institutions.
Investment income, realized and unrealized gains and losses, and certain fund-level expenses and expense reductions, if any, are borne pro rata on the basis of relative net assets by the holders of all classes of shares, except that each class bears certain expenses unique to that class such as distribution and service fees, services to shareholders and certain other class-specific expenses. Differences in class-level expenses may result in payment of different per share dividends by class. All shares of the Fund have equal rights with respect to voting subject to class-specific arrangements.
The Fund’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP” ) which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Fund qualifies as an investment company under Topic 946 of Accounting Standards Codification of U.S. GAAP. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
Security Valuation.Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading.
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The Fund’s Board has designated DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (the “Advisor” ) as the valuation designee for the Fund pursuant to Rule 2a-5 under the 1940 Act. The Advisor’s Pricing Committee (the “Pricing Committee” ) typically values securities using readily available market quotations or prices supplied by independent pricing services (which are considered fair values under Rule 2a-5). The Advisor has adopted fair valuation procedures that provide methodologies for fair valuing securities.
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund’s investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund’s own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The level assigned to the securities valuations may not be an indication of the risk or liquidity associated with investing in those securities.
Municipal debt securities are valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services approved by the Pricing Committee, whose valuations are intended to reflect the mean between the bid and asked prices. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from broker-dealers. These securities are generally categorized as Level 2.
Debt securities are valued at prices supplied by independent pricing services approved by the Pricing Committee. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics, prepayment speeds and other data, as well as broker quotes. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, debt securities are valued at the average of the most recent reliable bid quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from broker-dealers. These securities are generally categorized as Level 2.
Investments in open-end investment companies are valued at their net asset value each business day and are categorized as Level 1.
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Pricing Committee and are generally categorized as Level 3. In accordance with the Fund’s valuation procedures, factors considered in determining
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

value may include, but are not limited to, the type of the security; the size of the holding; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security’s disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services; information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); an analysis of the company’s or issuer’s financial statements; an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold; and with respect to debt securities, the maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination and the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded. The value determined under these procedures may differ from published values for the same securities.
Disclosure about the classification of fair value measurements is included in a table following the Fund’s Investment Portfolio.
When-Issued/Delayed Delivery Securities.The Fund may purchase or sell securities with delivery or payment to occur at a later date beyond the normal settlement period. At the time the Fund enters into a commitment to purchase or sell a security, the transaction is recorded and the value of the transaction is reflected in the net asset value. The price of such security and the date when the security will be delivered and paid for are fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. The value of the security may vary with market fluctuations.
Certain risks may arise upon entering into when-issued or delayed delivery transactions from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts or if the issuer does not issue the securities due to political, economic, or other factors. Additionally, losses may arise due to changes in the value of the underlying securities.
Federal Income Taxes.The Fund’s policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
At May 31, 2023, the Fund had net tax basis capital loss carryforwards of approximately $11,325,000, including short-term losses ($2,959,000) and long-term losses ($8,366,000), which may be applied against realized net taxable capital gains indefinitely.
The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for the open tax years as of May 31, 2023 and has determined that no provision for income tax and/or uncertain tax positions is required in the Fund’s financial statements. The Fund’s federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
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Distribution of Income and Gains.Net investment income of the Fund is declared as a daily dividend and distributed to shareholders monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually. The Fund may also make additional distributions for tax purposes if necessary.
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gain distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to premium amortization on debt securities and income related to restructuring of certain securities.  As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
At May 31, 2023, the Fund’s components of distributable earnings (accumulated losses) on a net tax basis were as follows:
Undistributed tax-exempt income
$1,287,977
Capital loss carryforwards
$(11,325,000
)
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
$(23,843,852
)
At May 31, 2023, the aggregate cost of investments for federal income tax purposes was $788,008,213. The net unrealized depreciation for all investments based on tax cost was $23,843,852. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $6,184,791 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all investments for which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $30,028,643.
In addition, the tax character of distributions paid to shareholders by the Fund is summarized as follows:
 
Years Ended May 31,
 
2023
2022
Distributions from tax-exempt income
$21,790,678
$20,192,927
Distributions from ordinary income*
$108,031
$825,882
Distributions from long-term capital gains
$
$2,442,955
*
For tax purposes, short-term capital gain distributions are considered ordinary
income distributions.
Expenses.Expenses of the Trust arising in connection with a specific fund are allocated to that fund. Other Trust expenses which cannot be directly
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

attributed to a fund are apportioned among the funds in the Trust based upon the relative net assets or other appropriate measures.
Contingencies.In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund’s maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown, as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
Other.Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. All premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted for financial reporting purposes.
B.
Purchases and Sales of Securities
During the year ended May 31, 2023, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $384,258,953 and $511,469,749, respectively.
C.
Related Parties
Management Agreement.Under the Investment Management Agreement with DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA”  or the “Advisor” ), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group” ), the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund.
Under the Investment Management Agreement with the Advisor, the Fund pays a monthly management fee based on the average daily net assets of the Fund, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly at the annual rate (exclusive of any applicable waivers/reimbursements) of 0.315%.
For the period from June 1, 2022 through September 30, 2022, the Advisor had contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the total annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses
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such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage, interest expense and acquired fund fees and expenses) of each class as follows:
Class A
.75%
Class C
1.50%
Class S
.50%
Institutional Class
.50%
Effective October 1, 2022 through September 30, 2023, the Advisor has contractually agreed to waive its fees and/or reimburse certain operating expenses of the Fund to the extent necessary to maintain the total annual operating expenses (excluding certain expenses such as extraordinary expenses, taxes, brokerage, interest expense and acquired fund fees and expenses) of each class as follows:
Class A
.74%
Class C
1.49%
Class S
.49%
Institutional Class
.49%
For the year ended May 31, 2023, fees waived and/or expenses reimbursed for each class are as follows:
Class A
$41,165
Class C
1,716
Class S
363,993
Institutional Class
252,500
 
$659,374
Administration Fee.Pursuant to an Administrative Services Agreement, DIMA provides most administrative services to the Fund. For all services provided under the Administrative Services Agreement, the Fund pays the Advisor an annual fee (“Administration Fee” ) of 0.097% of the Fund’s average daily net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the Administration Fee was $787,559, of which $63,266 is unpaid.
Service Provider Fees.DWS Service Company (“DSC” ), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DSC and SS&C GIDS, Inc. (“SS&C” ) (name changed from DST Systems, Inc. effective January 1, 2023), DSC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to SS&C. DSC compensates SS&C out of the shareholder
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the amounts charged to the Fund by DSC were as follows:
Services to Shareholders
Total
Aggregated
Unpaid at
May 31, 2023
Class A
$2,661
$438
Class C
325
46
Class S
31,339
5,109
Institutional Class
1,478
242
 
$35,803
$5,835
In addition, for the year ended May 31, 2023, the amounts charged to the Fund for recordkeeping and other administrative services provided by unaffiliated third parties, included in the Statement of Operations under “Services to shareholders,”  were as follows:
Sub-Recordkeeping
Total
Aggregated
Class A
$88,131
Class C
2,517
Class S
443,442
Institutional Class
415,567
 
$949,657
Distribution and Service Fees.Under the Fund’s Class C 12b-1 Plan, DWS Distributors, Inc. (“DDI” ), an affiliate of the Advisor, receives a fee (“Distribution Fee” ) of 0.75% of the average daily net assets of Class C shares. In accordance with the Fund’s Underwriting and Distribution Services Agreement, DDI enters into related selling group agreements with various firms at various rates for sales of Class C shares. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the Distribution Fee was as follows:
Distribution Fee
Total
Aggregated
Unpaid at
May 31, 2023
Class C
$20,116
$1,433
In addition, DDI provides information and administrative services for a fee (“Service Fee” ) to Class A and C shareholders at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of the average daily net assets for each such class. DDI in turn has various agreements with financial services firms that provide these services and pays these fees based upon the assets of shareholder
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45

accounts the firms service. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the Service Fee was as follows:
Service Fee
Total
Aggregated
Unpaid at
May 31, 2023
Annual
Rate
Class A
$281,488
$44,336
.25%
Class C
6,673
300
.25%
 
$288,161
$44,636
Underwriting Agreement and Contingent Deferred Sales Charge.DDI is the principal underwriter for the Fund. Underwriting commissions paid in connection with the distribution of Class A shares for the year ended May 31, 2023 aggregated $843.
In addition, DDI receives any contingent deferred sales charge (“CDSC” ) from Class C share redemptions occurring within one year of purchase. There is no such charge upon redemption of any share appreciation or reinvested dividends. The CDSC is 1% of the value of the shares redeemed for Class C. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the CDSC for Class C shares aggregated $778. A deferred sales charge of up to 1% is assessed on certain redemptions of Class A shares. For the year ended May 31, 2023, DDI received $884 for Class A shares.
Other Service Fees.Under an agreement with the Fund, DIMA is compensated for providing regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the year ended May 31, 2023, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under “Reports to shareholders”  aggregated $2,340, of which $1,129 is unpaid.
Trustees' Fees and Expenses.The Fund paid retainer fees to each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor, plus specified amounts to the Board Chairperson and to each committee Chairperson.
Transactions with Affiliates.The Fund may purchase securities from, or sell securities to, an affiliated fund provided the affiliation is solely due to having a common investment adviser, common officers or common trustees. During the year ended May 31, 2023, the Fund engaged in securities purchases of $119,135,000 and securities sales of $167,975,000 with a net gain (loss) on securities sales of $0, with affiliated funds in compliance with Rule 17a-7 under the 1940 Act.
D.
Line of Credit
The Fund and other affiliated funds (the “Participants” ) share in a $375 million revolving credit facility provided by a syndication of banks. The Fund may borrow for temporary or emergency purposes, including the meeting of redemption requests that otherwise might require the untimely disposition of securities. The Participants are charged an annual commitment fee, which is allocated based on net assets, among each of
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

the Participants. Interest is calculated at a daily fluctuating rate per annum equal to the sum of 0.10% plus the higher of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and the Overnight Bank Funding Rate, plus 1.25%. The Fund may borrow up to a maximum of 33 percent of its net assets under the agreement. The Fund had no outstanding loans at May 31, 2023.
E.
Fund Share Transactions
The following table summarizes share and dollar activity in the Fund:
 
Year Ended
May 31, 2023
Year Ended
May 31, 2022
 
Shares
Dollars
Shares
Dollars
Shares sold
Class A
2,277,483
$24,496,713
1,010,213
$11,471,271
Class C
56,361
609,534
71,273
845,661
Class S
6,422,018
69,375,774
6,591,510
75,341,187
Institutional Class
16,719,046
180,415,618
13,326,586
153,855,528
 
$274,897,639
$241,513,647
Shares issued to shareholders in reinvestment of distributions
Class A
222,135
$2,393,793
233,503
$2,735,516
Class C
3,724
40,104
5,994
70,361
Class S
645,546
6,954,046
693,476
8,116,645
Institutional Class
711,306
7,664,782
636,564
7,440,796
 
$17,052,725
$18,363,318
Shares redeemed
Class A
(3,751,421
)
$(40,232,732
)
(2,995,996
)
$(34,318,469
)
Class C
(205,359
)
(2,221,907
)
(290,760
)
(3,419,132
)
Class S
(13,203,574
)
(142,152,555
)
(8,291,040
)
(94,735,787
)
Institutional Class
(19,920,782
)
(214,456,095
)
(11,641,042
)
(133,871,032
)
 
$(399,063,289
)
$(266,344,420
)
Net increase (decrease)
Class A
(1,251,803
)
$(13,342,226
)
(1,752,280
)
$(20,111,682
)
Class C
(145,274
)
(1,572,269
)
(213,493
)
(2,503,110
)
Class S
(6,136,010
)
(65,822,735
)
(1,006,054
)
(11,277,955
)
Institutional Class
(2,490,430
)
(26,375,695
)
2,322,108
27,425,292
 
$(107,112,925
)
$(6,467,455
)
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47

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Trustees of Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust and Shareholders of DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities of DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (the “Fund” ) (one of the funds constituting Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust) (the “Trust” ), including the investment portfolio, as of May 31, 2023, and the related statement of operations for the year then ended, the statements of changes in net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, the financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements” ). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Fund (one of the funds constituting Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust ) at May 31, 2023, the results of its operations for the year then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the period then ended, and its financial highlights for each of the five years in the period then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Trust’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Fund’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB” ) and are required to be independent with respect to the Trust in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Trust is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Trust’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of May 31, 2023, by correspondence with the custodian, brokers, and others; when replies were not received from brokers and others, we performed other auditing procedures. . Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
We have served as the auditor of one or more investment companies in the DWS family of funds since at least 1979, but we are unable to determine the specific year.
Boston, Massachusetts
July 24, 2023
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Other Information (Unaudited)
Regulatory Update  Tailored Shareholder Report
Effective January 24, 2023, the SEC amended the rules for mutual fund and exchange-traded fund (“ETF” ) annual and semi-annual shareholder reports. The amended rules apply to mutual funds and ETFs that are registered on Form N-1A (i.e., open-end funds) and implement a new streamlined disclosure framework requiring “concise and visually engaging”  shareholder reports highlighting key information, including a simplified expense presentation, performance information, portfolio holdings and certain fund statistics. The amended rules seek to simplify shareholder reporting by consolidating investor friendly data in one report and moving other data to Form N-CSR, creating a layered disclosure framework. Certain information from the Fund’s current shareholder reports, including the Fund’s investment portfolio, financial statements and financial highlights, will move to Form N-CSR. This information must be available online, delivered free of charge upon request and filed on a semiannual basis on Form N-CSR. Notably, the amended rules will require mutual funds and ETFs to prepare separate individual shareholder reports for each fund share class. The amendments also include a revised definition of “appropriate broad-based securities market index”  that will affect performance presentations in the new streamlined reports and mutual fund and ETF prospectuses. The amended rules and related form amendments have a compliance date of July 24, 2024. At this time, management is evaluating the impact of the amended rules and form amendments on the content of the Fund’s current shareholder reports.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Information About Your Fund’s Expenses
As an investor of the Fund, you incur two types of costs: ongoing expenses and transaction costs. Ongoing expenses include management fees, distribution and service (12b-1) fees and other Fund expenses. Examples of transaction costs include sales charges (loads) and account maintenance fees, which are not shown in this section. The following tables are intended to help you understand your ongoing expenses (in dollars) of investing in the Fund and to help you compare these expenses
with the ongoing expenses of investing in other mutual funds.In the most recent six-month period, the Fund limited these expenses; had it not done
so, expenses would have been higher.The example in the table is based on an investment of $1,000 invested at the beginning of the six-month period and held for the entire period (December 1, 2022 to May 31, 2023).
The tables illustrate your Fund’s expenses in two ways:
— 
Actual Fund Return. This helps you estimate the actual dollar amount of ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) paid on a $1,000 investment in the Fund using the Fund’s actual return during the period. To estimate the expenses you paid over the period, simply divide your account value by $1,000 (for example, an $8,600 account value divided by $1,000 = 8.6), then multiply the result by the number in the “Expenses Paid per $1,000”  line under the share class you hold.
— 
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return. This helps you to compare your Fund’s ongoing expenses (but not transaction costs) with those of other mutual funds using the Fund’s actual expense ratio and a hypothetical rate of return of 5% per year before expenses. Examples using a 5% hypothetical fund return may be found in the shareholder reports of other mutual funds. The hypothetical account values and expenses may not be used to estimate the actual ending account balance or expenses you paid for the period.
Please note that the expenses shown in these tables are meant to highlight your ongoing expenses only and do not reflect any transaction costs. The “Expenses Paid per $1,000”  line of the tables is useful in comparing ongoing expenses only and will not help you determine the
relative total expense of owning different funds.Subject to certain exceptions, an account maintenance fee of $20.00 assessed once per calendar year for Classes A, C and S shares may apply for accounts with balances less than $10,000. This fee is not included in these tables. If it was, the estimate of expenses paid for Classes A, C and S shares during the period would be higher, and account value during the period would be lower, by this amount.
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Expenses and Value of a $1,000 Investment
for the six months ended May 31, 2023 (Unaudited)
Actual Fund Return
Class A
Class C
Class S
Institutional
Class
Beginning Account Value 12/1/22
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
Ending Account Value 5/31/23
$1,016.90
$1,013.00
$1,019.10
$1,018.10
Expenses Paid per $1,000*
$3.72
$7.48
$2.47
$2.47
Hypothetical 5% Fund Return
Class A
Class C
Class S
Institutional
Class
Beginning Account Value 12/1/22
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
$1,000.00
Ending Account Value 5/31/23
$1,021.24
$1,017.50
$1,022.49
$1,022.49
Expenses Paid per $1,000*
$3.73
$7.49
$2.47
$2.47
*
Expenses are equal to the Fund’s annualized expense ratio for each share class,
multiplied by the average account value over the period, multiplied by 182 (the number of
days in the most recent six-month period), then divided by 365.
Annualized Expense Ratios
Class A
Class C
Class S
Institutional
Class
DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund
.74%
1.49%
.49%
.49%
For more information, please refer to the Fund’s prospectus.
For an analysis of the fees associated with an investment in the Fund or similar funds, please refer to tools.finra.org/fund_analyzer/.
Tax Information (Unaudited)
Of the dividends paid from net investment income for the taxable year ended May 31, 2023, 99% are designated as exempt interest dividends for federal income tax purposes.
Please consult a tax advisor if you have questions about federal or state income tax laws, or on how to prepare your tax returns. If you have specific questions about your account, please call (800) 728-3337.
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Liquidity Risk Management
In accordance with Rule 22e-4 (the “Liquidity Rule” ) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “1940 Act” ), your Fund has adopted a liquidity risk management program (the “Program” ), and the Board has designated DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” ) as Program administrator. The Program is designed to assess and manage your Fund’s liquidity risk (the risk that the Fund would be unable to meet requests to redeem shares of the Fund without significant dilution of remaining investors’ interests in the Fund). DIMA has designated a committee (the “Committee” ) composed of personnel from multiple departments within DIMA and its affiliates that is responsible for the implementation and ongoing administration of the Program, which includes assessing the Fund’s liquidity risk under both normal and reasonably foreseeable stressed conditions. Under the Program, every investment held by the Fund is classified on a daily basis into one of four liquidity categories based on estimations of the investment’s ability to be sold during designated timeframes in current market conditions without significantly changing the investment’s market value.
In February 2023, as required by the Program and the Liquidity Rule, DIMA provided the Board with an annual written report (the “Report” ) addressing the operation of the Program and assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of its implementation during the period from December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2022 (the “Reporting Period” ). During the Reporting Period, your Fund was predominately invested in highly liquid investments (investments that the Fund anticipates can be converted to cash within three business days or less in current market conditions without significantly changing their market value). As a result, your Fund is not required to adopt, and has not adopted, a “Highly Liquid Investment Minimum”  as defined in the Liquidity Rule. During the Reporting Period, the Fund did not approach the 15% limit imposed by the Liquidity Rule on holdings in illiquid investments (investments that cannot be sold or disposed of in seven days or less in current market conditions without the sale of the investment significantly changing the market value of the investment). Your Fund did not experience any issues meeting investor redemptions at any time during the Reporting Period. In the Report, DIMA stated that it believes the Program has operated adequately and effectively to manage the Fund’s liquidity risk during the Reporting Period. DIMA also reported that there were no material changes made to the Program during the Reporting Period.
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Advisory Agreement Board Considerations and Fee Evaluation
The Board of Trustees (hereinafter referred to as the “Board”  or “Trustees” ) approved the renewal of DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund’s (the “Fund” ) investment management agreement (the “Agreement” ) with DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” ) in September 2022.
In terms of the process that the Board followed prior to approving the Agreement, shareholders should know that:
— 
During the entire process, all of the Fund’s Trustees were independent of DIMA and its affiliates (the “Independent Trustees” ).
— 
The Board met frequently during the past year to discuss fund matters and dedicated a substantial amount of time to contract review matters. Over the course of several months, the Board reviewed extensive materials received from DIMA, independent third parties and independent counsel. These materials included an analysis of the Fund’s performance, fees and expenses, and profitability from a fee consultant retained by the Fund’s Independent Trustees (the “Fee Consultant” ).
— 
The Board also received extensive information throughout the year regarding performance of the Fund.
— 
The Independent Trustees regularly met privately with counsel to discuss contract review and other matters. In addition, the Independent Trustees were advised by the Fee Consultant in the course of their review of the Fund’s contractual arrangements and considered a comprehensive report prepared by the Fee Consultant in connection with their deliberations.
— 
In connection with reviewing the Agreement, the Board also reviewed the terms of the Fund’s Rule 12b-1 plan, distribution agreement, administrative services agreement, transfer agency agreement and other material service agreements.
In connection with the contract review process, the Board considered the factors discussed below, among others. The Board also considered that DIMA and its predecessors have managed the Fund since its inception, and the Board believes that a long-term relationship with a capable, conscientious advisor is in the best interests of the Fund. The Board considered, generally, that shareholders chose to invest or remain invested in the Fund knowing that DIMA managed the Fund. DIMA is part of DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA (“DWS Group” ). DWS Group is a global asset management business that offers a wide range of investing expertise and resources, including research capabilities in many countries throughout the world. In 2018, approximately 20% of DWS Group’s
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shares were sold in an initial public offering, with Deutsche Bank AG owning the remaining shares.
As part of the contract review process, the Board carefully considered the fees and expenses of each DWS fund overseen by the Board in light of the fund’s performance. In many cases, this led to the negotiation and implementation of expense caps.
While shareholders may focus primarily on fund performance and fees, the Fund’s Board considers these and many other factors, including the quality and integrity of DIMA’s personnel and administrative support services provided by DIMA, such as back-office operations, fund valuations, and compliance policies and procedures.
Nature, Quality and Extent of Services.The Board considered the terms of the Agreement, including the scope of advisory services provided under the Agreement. The Board noted that, under the Agreement, DIMA provides portfolio management services to the Fund and that, pursuant to a separate administrative services agreement, DIMA provides administrative services to the Fund. The Board considered the experience and skills of senior management and investment personnel and the resources made available to such personnel. The Board also considered the risks to DIMA in sponsoring or managing the Fund, including financial, operational and reputational risks, the potential economic impact to DIMA from such risks and DIMA’s approach to addressing such risks. The Board reviewed the Fund’s performance over short-term and long-term periods and compared those returns to various agreed-upon performance measures, including market index(es) and a peer universe compiled using information supplied by Morningstar Direct (“Morningstar” ), an independent fund data service. The Board also noted that it has put into place a process of identifying “Funds in Review”  (e.g., funds performing poorly relative to a peer universe), and receives additional reporting from DIMA regarding such funds and, where appropriate, DIMA’s plans to address underperformance. The Board believes this process is an effective manner of identifying and addressing underperforming funds. Based on the information provided, the Board noted that, for the one-, three- and five-year periods ended December 31, 2021, the Fund’s performance (Class A shares) was in the 3rd quartile of the applicable Morningstar universe (the 1st quartile being the best performers and the 4th quartile being the worst performers). The Board also observed that the Fund has outperformed its benchmark in the one- and three-year periods and has underperformed its benchmark in the five-year period ended December 31, 2021.
Fees and Expenses.The Board considered the Fund’s investment management fee schedule, operating expenses and total expense ratios, and comparative information provided by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (“Broadridge” ) and the Fee Consultant regarding investment
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management fee rates paid to other investment advisors by similar funds (1st quartile being the most favorable and 4th quartile being the least favorable). With respect to management fees paid to other investment advisors by similar funds, the Board noted that the contractual fee rates paid by the Fund, which include a 0.097% fee paid to DIMA under the Fund’s administrative services agreement, were lower than the median (2nd quartile) of the applicable Broadridge peer group (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2021). The Board noted that the Fund’s Class A shares total (net) operating expenses (excluding 12b-1 fees) were expected to be higher than the median (3rd quartile) of the applicable Broadridge expense universe (based on Broadridge data provided as of December 31, 2021, and analyzing Broadridge expense universe Class A (net) expenses less any applicable 12b-1 fees) (“Broadridge Universe Expenses” ). The Board also reviewed data comparing each other operational share class’s total (net) operating expenses to the applicable Broadridge Universe Expenses. The Board noted that the expense limitations agreed to by DIMA were expected to help the Fund’s total (net) operating expenses remain competitive. The Board considered the Fund’s management fee rate as compared to fees charged by DIMA to comparable DWS U.S. registered funds (“DWS Funds” ) and considered differences between the Fund and the comparable DWS Funds. The information requested by the Board as part of its review of fees and expenses also included information about institutional accounts (including any sub-advised funds and accounts) and funds offered primarily to European investors (“DWS Europe Funds” ) managed by DWS Group. The Board noted that DIMA indicated that DWS Group does not manage any institutional accounts or DWS Europe Funds comparable to the Fund.
On the basis of the information provided, the Board concluded that management fees were reasonable and appropriate in light of the nature, quality and extent of services provided by DIMA.
Profitability.The Board reviewed detailed information regarding revenues received by DIMA under the Agreement. The Board considered the estimated costs to DIMA, and pre-tax profits realized by DIMA, from advising the DWS Funds, as well as estimates of the pre-tax profits attributable to managing the Fund in particular. The Board also received information regarding the estimated enterprise-wide profitability of DIMA and its affiliates with respect to all fund services in totality and by fund. The Board and the Fee Consultant reviewed DIMA’s methodology in allocating its costs to the management of the Fund. Based on the information provided, the Board concluded that the pre-tax profits realized by DIMA in connection with the management of the Fund were not unreasonable. The Board also reviewed certain publicly available information regarding the profitability of certain similar investment management firms. The Board noted that, while information regarding the
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profitability of such firms is limited (and in some cases is not necessarily prepared on a comparable basis), DIMA and its affiliates’ overall profitability with respect to the DWS Funds (after taking into account distribution and other services provided to the funds by DIMA and its affiliates) was lower than the overall profitability levels of most comparable firms for which such data was available.
Economies of Scale.The Board considered whether there are economies of scale with respect to the management of the Fund and whether the Fund benefits from any economies of scale. In this regard, the Board observed that while the Fund’s current investment management fee schedule does not include breakpoints, the Fund’s fee schedule represents an appropriate sharing between the Fund and DIMA of such economies of scale as may exist in the management of the Fund at current asset levels.
Other Benefits to DIMA and Its Affiliates.The Board also considered the character and amount of other incidental or “fall-out”  benefits received by DIMA and its affiliates, including any fees received by DIMA for administrative services provided to the Fund, any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for transfer agency services provided to the Fund and any fees received by an affiliate of DIMA for distribution services. The Board also considered benefits to DIMA related to brokerage and soft-dollar allocations, including allocating brokerage to pay for research generated by parties other than the executing broker dealers, which pertain primarily to funds investing in equity securities. In addition, the Board considered the incidental public relations benefits to DIMA related to DWS Funds advertising and cross-selling opportunities among DIMA products and services. The Board considered these benefits in reaching its conclusion that the Fund’s management fees were reasonable.
Compliance.The Board considered the significant attention and resources dedicated by DIMA to its compliance processes in recent years. The Board noted in particular (i) the experience, seniority and time commitment of the individuals serving as DIMA’s and the Fund’s chief compliance officers and (ii) the substantial commitment of resources by DIMA and its affiliates to compliance matters, including the retention of compliance personnel.
Based on all of the information considered and the conclusions reached, the Board determined that the continuation of the Agreement is in the best interests of the Fund. In making this determination, the Board did not give particular weight to any single factor identified above. The Board considered these factors over the course of numerous meetings, certain of which were in executive session with only the Independent Trustees and counsel present. It is possible that individual Independent Trustees may have weighed these factors differently in reaching their individual decisions to approve the continuation of the Agreement.
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Board Members and Officers
The following table presents certain information regarding the Board Members and Officers of the Trust/Corporation. Each Board Member’s year of birth is set forth in parentheses after his or her name. Unless otherwise noted, (i) each Board Member has engaged in the principal occupation(s) noted in the table for at least the most recent five years, although not necessarily in the same capacity; and (ii) the address of each Independent Board Member is c/o Keith R. Fox, DWS Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston
Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600.Except as otherwise noted below, the term of office for each Board Member is until the election and qualification of a successor, or until such Board Member sooner dies, resigns, is removed or as otherwise provided in the governing documents of the Trust/Corporation. Because the Fund does not hold an annual meeting of shareholders, each Board Member will hold office for an indeterminate period.
The Board Members may also serve in similar capacities with other funds in the fund complex. The number of funds in the DWS fund complex shown in the table below includes all registered open- and closed-end funds (including all of their portfolios) advised by the Advisor and any registered funds that have an investment advisor that is an affiliated person of the Advisor.
Independent Board Members/Independent Advisory Board Members
Name, Year of
Birth, Position
with the Trust/
Corporation
and Length of
Time Served1
Business Experience and Directorships
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
DWS Fund
Complex
Overseen
Other
Directorships
Held by Board
Member
Keith R. Fox,
CFA (1954)
Chairperson
since 2017, and
Board Member
since 1996
Managing General Partner, Exeter Capital
Partners (a series of private investment
funds) (since 1986). Former Chairman,
National Association of Small Business
Investment Companies; Former
Directorships: ICI Mutual Insurance
Company; BoxTop Media Inc. (advertising);
Sun Capital Advisers Trust (mutual
funds); Progressive International Corporation
(kitchen goods designer and distributor)
69
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Name, Year of
Birth, Position
with the Trust/
Corporation
and Length of
Time Served1
Business Experience and Directorships
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
DWS Fund
Complex
Overseen
Other
Directorships
Held by Board
Member
John W.
Ballantine
(1946)
Board Member
since 1999
Retired; formerly, Executive Vice President
and Chief Risk Management Officer, First
Chicago NBD Corporation/The First National
Bank of Chicago (1996–1998); Executive Vice
President and Head of International Banking
(1995–1996); Not-for-Profit Directorships:
Window to the World Communications
(public media); Life Director of Harris Theater
for Music and Dance (Chicago); Life Director
of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; Former
Directorships: Director and Chairman of the
Board, Healthways, Inc.2 (population
wellbeing and wellness services)
(2003–2014); Stockwell Capital Investments
PLC (private equity); Enron Corporation; FNB
Corporation; Tokheim Corporation; First Oak
Brook Bancshares, Inc.; Oak Brook Bank;
Portland General Electric2 (utility company
(2003–2021); and Prisma Energy
International; Former Not-for-Profit
Directorships: Public Radio International;
Palm Beach Civic Assn.
69
Dawn-Marie
Driscoll (1946)
Board Member
since 1987
Emeritus Advisory Board and former
Executive Fellow, Hoffman Center for
Business Ethics, Bentley University; formerly:
Partner, Palmer & Dodge (law firm)
(1988–1990); Vice President of Corporate
Affairs and General Counsel, Filene’s (retail)
(1978–1988); Directorships: Trustee and
former Chairman of the Board, Southwest
Florida Community Foundation (charitable
organization); Former Directorships: ICI
Mutual Insurance Company (2007–2015); Sun
Capital Advisers Trust (mutual funds)
(2007–2012), Investment Company Institute
(audit, executive, nominating committees)
and Independent Directors Council
(governance, executive committees)
69
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59

Name, Year of
Birth, Position
with the Trust/
Corporation
and Length of
Time Served1
Business Experience and Directorships
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
DWS Fund
Complex
Overseen
Other
Directorships
Held by Board
Member
Richard J.
Herring (1946)
Board Member
since 1990
Jacob Safra Professor of International
Banking and Professor of Finance, The
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
(since July 1972); formerly: Director, The
Wharton Financial Institutions Center
(1994–2020); Vice Dean and Director,
Wharton Undergraduate Division (1995–2000)
and Director, The Lauder Institute of
International Management Studies
(2000–2006); Member FDIC Systemic Risk
Advisory Committee since 2011, member
Systemic Risk Council since 2012 and
member of the Advisory Board at the Yale
Program on Financial Stability since 2013;
Former Directorships: Co-Chair of the
Shadow Financial Regulatory Committee
(2003–2015), Executive Director of The
Financial Economists Roundtable
(2008–2015), Director of The Thai Capital Fund
(2007–2013), Director of The Aberdeen
Singapore Fund (2007–2018), Director, The
Aberdeen Japan Fund (2007-2021) and
Nonexecutive Director of Barclays Bank
DE (2010–2018)
69
Chad D. Perry
(1972)
Board Member
or Advisory
Board Member
since 20213
Executive Vice President, and General
Counsel, RLJ Lodging Trust.2 (Since 2023);
formerly: Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary, Tanger Factory Outlet
Centers, Inc.2 (2011-2023); Executive Vice
President and Deputy General Counsel, LPL
Financial Holdings Inc.2 (2006–2011); Senior
Corporate Counsel, EMC Corporation
(2005–2006); Associate, Ropes & Gray
LLP (1997–2005)
214
Director - Great
Elm Capital
Corp. (business
development
company)
(since 2022)
Rebecca W.
Rimel (1951)
Board Member
since 1995
Formerly: Executive Vice President, The
Glenmede Trust Company (investment trust
and wealth management) (1983–2004); Board
Member, Investor Education (charitable
organization) (2004–2005); Former
Directorships: Trustee, Executive Committee,
Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
(2001–2007); Director, Viasys Health Care2
(January 2007–June 2007); Trustee, Thomas
Jefferson Foundation (charitable organization)
(1994–2012); President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director (1994–2020) and Senior
Advisor (2020-2021), The Pew Charitable
Trusts (charitable organization); Director,
BioTelemetry Inc.2 (acquired by Royal Philips
in 2021) (healthcare) (2009–2021); Director,
Becton Dickinson and Company2 (medical
technology company) (2012-2022)
69
Director, The
Bridgespan
Group
(nonprofit
organization)
(since
October 2020)
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Name, Year of
Birth, Position
with the Trust/
Corporation
and Length of
Time Served1
Business Experience and Directorships
During the Past Five Years
Number of
Funds in
DWS Fund
Complex
Overseen
Other
Directorships
Held by Board
Member
Catherine
Schrand (1964)
Board Member
since 2021
Celia Z. Moh Professor of Accounting (since
2016) and Professor of Accounting (since
1994); Directorships: Director, the Jacobs
Levy Center, The Wharton School, University
of Pennsylvania (since 2023); Former
positions: Vice Dean, Wharton Doctoral
Programs, The Wharton School, University of
Pennsylvania (2016–2019)
69
William N.
Searcy, Jr.
(1946)
Board Member
since 1993
Private investor since October 2003; formerly:
Pension & Savings Trust Officer, Sprint
Corporation2 (telecommunications)
(November 1989–September 2003); Former
Directorships: Trustee, Sun Capital Advisers
Trust (mutual funds) (1998–2012)
69
Officers5
Name, Year of Birth, Position
with the Trust/Corporation
and Length of Time Served6
Business Experience and Directorships During the
Past Five Years
Hepsen Uzcan7 (1974)
President and Chief Executive
Officer, 2017–present
Fund Administration (Head since 2017), DWS; Secretary,
DWS USA Corporation (2018–present); Assistant Secretary,
DWS Distributors, Inc. (2018–present); Director and Vice
President, DWS Service Company (2018–present); Assistant
Secretary, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc.
(2018–present); Director and President, DB Investment
Managers, Inc. (2018–present); President and Chief
Executive Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New
Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe
Fund, Inc. (2017–present); formerly: Vice President for the
Deutsche funds (2016–2017); Assistant Secretary for the
DWS funds (2013–2019); Assistant Secretary, The European
Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The
Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2013–2020);
Directorships: Interested Director, The European Equity
Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and
Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (since June 25, 2020); ICI Mutual
Insurance Company (since October 16, 2020); and
Episcopalian Charities of New York (2018–present)
John Millette8 (1962)
Vice President and
Secretary, 1999–present
Legal (Associate General Counsel), DWS; Chief Legal
Officer, DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc.
(2015–present); Director and Vice President, DWS Trust
Company (2016–present); Secretary, DBX ETF Trust
(2020–present); Vice President, DBX Advisors LLC
(2021–present); Secretary, The European Equity Fund, Inc.,
The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern
Europe Fund, Inc. 2011–present); formerly: Secretary,
Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
(2015–2017); and Assistant Secretary, DBX ETF
Trust (2019–2020)
Ciara Crawford9 (1984)
Assistant
Secretary, 2019–present
Fund Administration (Specialist), DWS (2015–present);
formerly, Legal Assistant at Accelerated Tax Solutions
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Name, Year of Birth, Position
with the Trust/Corporation
and Length of Time Served6
Business Experience and Directorships During the
Past Five Years
Diane Kenneally8 (1966)
Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer, 2018–present
Fund Administration Treasurer’s Office (Co-Head since 2018),
DWS; Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller, DBX
ETF Trust (2019–present); Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany
Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc.
(2018–present); formerly: Assistant Treasurer for the DWS
funds (2007–2018)
Paul Antosca8 (1957)
Assistant
Treasurer, 2007–present
Fund Administration Tax (Head), DWS; and Assistant
Treasurer, DBX ETF Trust (2019–present)
Sheila Cadogan8 (1966)
Assistant
Treasurer, 2017–present
Fund Administration Treasurer’s Office (Co-Head since 2018),
DWS; Director and Vice President, DWS Trust Company
(2018–present); Assistant Treasurer, DBX ETF Trust
(2019–present); Assistant Treasurer, The European Equity
Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and
Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2018–present)
Scott D. Hogan8 (1970)
Chief Compliance
Officer, 2016–present
Anti-Financial Crime & Compliance US (Senior Team Lead),
DWS; Chief Compliance Officer, The European Equity Fund,
Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and
Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2016–present)
Caroline Pearson8 (1962)
Chief Legal
Officer, 2010–present
Legal (Senior Team Lead), DWS; Assistant Secretary, DBX
ETF Trust (2020–present); Chief Legal Officer, DBX Advisors
LLC (2020–present); Chief Legal Officer, The European
Equity Fund, Inc., The New Germany Fund, Inc. and The
Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (2012–present);
formerly: Secretary, Deutsche AM Distributors, Inc.
(2002–2017); Secretary, Deutsche AM Service Company
(2010–2017); and Chief Legal Officer, DBX Strategic Advisors
LLC (2020–2021)
Christian Rijs7 (1980)
Anti-Money Laundering
Compliance Officer,
since 2021
Senior Team Lead Anti-Financial Crime and Compliance,
DWS; AML Officer, DWS Trust Company (since November 2,
2021); AML Officer, DBX ETF Trust (since October 21, 2021);
AML Officer, The European Equity Fund, Inc., The New
Germany Fund, Inc. and The Central and Eastern Europe
Fund, Inc. (since November 12, 2021); formerly: DWS UK &
Ireland Head of Anti-Financial Crime and MLRO
1
The length of time served represents the year in which the Board Member joined the
board of one or more DWS funds currently overseen by the Board.
2
A publicly held company with securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
3
Mr. Perry is an Advisory Board Member of Deutsche DWS Asset Allocation Trust,
Deutsche DWS Equity 500 Index Portfolio, Deutsche DWS Global/International Fund, Inc.,
Deutsche DWS Income Trust, Deutsche DWS Institutional Funds, Deutsche DWS
International Fund, Inc., Deutsche DWS Investment Trust, Deutsche DWS Investments
VIT Funds, Deutsche DWS Money Market Trust, Deutsche DWS Municipal Trust,
Deutsche DWS Portfolio Trust, Deutsche DWS Securities Trust, Deutsche DWS Tax Free
Trust, Deutsche DWS Variable Series I and Government Cash Management Portfolio. Mr.
Perry is a Board Member of each other Trust.
4
Mr. Perry oversees 21 funds in the DWS Fund Complex as a Board Member of various
Trusts. Mr. Perry is an Advisory Board Member of various Trusts/Corporations comprised
of 48 funds in the DWS Fund Complex.
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

5
As a result of their respective positions held with the Advisor or its affiliates, these
individuals are considered “interested persons”  of the Advisor within the meaning of the
1940 Act. Interested persons receive no compensation from the Fund.
6
The length of time served represents the year in which the officer was first elected in
such capacity for one or more DWS funds.
7
Address: 875 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.
8
Address: 100 Summer Street, Boston, MA 02110.
9
Address: 5201 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256.
Certain officers hold similar positions for other investment companies for which DIMA or an affiliate serves as the Advisor.
The Fund’s Statement of Additional Information (“SAI” ) includes additional information about the Board Members. The SAI is available, without charge, upon request. If you would like to request a copy of the SAI, you may do so by calling the following toll-free number: (800) 728-3337.
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Account Management Resources
For More
Information
The automated telephone system allows you to access personalized
account information and obtain information on other DWS funds
using either your voice or your telephone keypad. Certain account
types within Classes A, C and S also have the ability to purchase,
exchange or redeem shares using this system.
For more information, contact your financial representative. You may
also access our automated telephone system or speak with a
Shareholder Service representative by calling:
(800) 728-3337
Web Site
dws.com
View your account transactions and balances, trade shares, monitor
your asset allocation, subscribe to fund and account updates by
e-mail, and change your address, 24 hours a day.
Obtain prospectuses and applications, news about DWS funds,
insight from DWS economists and investment specialists and access
to DWS fund account information.
Written
Correspondence
DWS
PO Box 219151
Kansas City, MO 64121-9151
Proxy Voting
The Fund’s policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio
securities and information about how the Fund voted proxies related
to its portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period
ended June 30 are available on our Web site
dws.com/en-us/resources/proxy-voting or on the SEC’s Web site
sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the Fund’s policies and
procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at
(800) 728-3337.
Portfolio Holdings
Following the Fund’s fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete
portfolio holdings listing is posted on dws.com and is available free
of charge by contacting your financial intermediary or, if you are a
direct investor, by calling (800) 728-3337. In addition, the portfolio
holdings listing is filed with the SEC on the Fund’s Form N-PORT and
will be available on the SEC’s Web site at sec.gov. Additional portfolio
holdings for the Fund are also posted on dws.com from time to time.
Please see the Fund’s current prospectus for more information.
Principal
Underwriter
If you have questions, comments or complaints, contact:
DWS Distributors, Inc.
222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
(800) 621-1148
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DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund

Investment
Management
DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA”  or the
“Advisor”  ), which is part of the DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA
(“DWS Group” ), is the investment advisor for the Fund. DIMA and its
predecessors have more than 90 years of experience managing
mutual funds and DIMA provides a full range of investment advisory
services to both institutional and retail clients. DIMA is an indirect,
wholly owned subsidiary of DWS Group.
 
DWS Group is a global organization that offers a wide range of
investing expertise and resources, including hundreds of portfolio
managers and analysts and an office network that reaches the
world’s major investment centers. This well-resourced global
investment platform brings together a wide variety of experience and
investment insight across industries, regions, asset classes and
investing styles.
 
Class A
Class C
Class S
Institutional
Class
Nasdaq Symbol
SZMAX
SZMCX
SCMTX
SZMIX
CUSIP Number
25159H108
25159H306
25159H405
25159H504
Fund Number
445
745
2045
1445
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65

Notes

Notes

222 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-5808
DITFF-2
(R-027918-12 7/23)

   
  (b) Not applicable
   
ITEM 2. CODE OF ETHICS
   
 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the registrant has adopted a code of ethics, as defined in Item 2 of Form N-CSR that applies to its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer.

 

There have been no amendments to, or waivers from, a provision of the code of ethics during the period covered by this report that would require disclosure under Item 2.

 

A copy of the code of ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Form N-CSR.

   
ITEM 3. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
   
  The fund’s audit committee is comprised solely of trustees who are "independent" (as such term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in regulations implementing Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (the "Regulations")). The fund’s Board of Trustees has determined that there are several "audit committee financial experts" (as such term has been defined by the Regulations) serving on the fund’s audit committee including Ms. Catherine Schrand, the chair of the fund’s audit committee.  An “audit committee financial expert” is not an “expert” for any purpose, including for purposes of Section 11 of the Securities Act of 1933 and the designation or identification of a person as an “audit committee financial expert” does not impose on such person any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than the duties, obligations and liability imposed on such person as a member of the audit committee and board of directors in the absence of such designation or identification.
   
ITEM 4. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
   

DWS intermediate tax-free Fund

form n-csr disclosure re: AUDIT FEES

The following table shows the amount of fees that Ernst & Young LLP (“EY”), the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, billed to the Fund during the Fund’s last two fiscal years. The Audit Committee approved in advance all audit services and non-audit services that EY provided to the Fund.

Services that the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Billed to the Fund

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31,
Audit Fees Billed to Fund Audit-Related
Fees Billed to Fund
Tax Fees Billed to Fund All
Other Fees Billed to Fund
2023 $40,311 $0 $7,880 $0
2022 $42,433 $0 $7,880 $0

 

The above “Tax Fees” were billed for professional services rendered for tax preparation.

Services that the Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Billed to the Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers

The following table shows the amount of fees billed by EY to DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. (“DIMA” or the “Adviser”), and any entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with DIMA (“Control Affiliate”) that provides ongoing services to the Fund (“Affiliated Fund Service Provider”), for engagements directly related to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting, during the Fund’s last two fiscal years.

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31,
Audit-Related
Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers
Tax Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers All
Other Fees Billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers
2023 $0 $572,355 $0
2022 $0 $429,517 $0

The above “Tax Fees” were billed in connection with tax compliance services and agreed upon procedures.

Non-Audit Services

The following table shows the amount of fees that EY billed during the Fund’s last two fiscal years for non-audit services. The Audit Committee pre-approved all non-audit services that EY provided to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider that related directly to the Fund’s operations and financial reporting. The Audit Committee requested and received information from EY about any non-audit services that EY rendered during the Fund’s last fiscal year to the Adviser and any Affiliated Fund Service Provider. The Committee considered this information in evaluating EY’s independence.

Fiscal Year
Ended
May 31,
Total
Non-Audit Fees Billed to Fund
(A)
Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (engagements related directly to the operations and financial reporting of the Fund)
(B)
Total Non-Audit Fees billed to Adviser and Affiliated Fund Service Providers (all other engagements)
(C)
Total of
(A), (B) and (C)
2023 $7,880 $572,355 $0 $580,235
2022 $7,880 $429,517 $0 $437,397

All other engagement fees were billed for services in connection with agreed upon procedures and tax compliance for DIMA and other related entities.

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures. Generally, each Fund’s Audit Committee must pre approve (i) all services to be performed for a Fund by a Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm and (ii) all non-audit services to be performed by a Fund’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the DIMA Entities with respect to operations and financial reporting of the Fund, except that the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson of each Fund’s Audit Committee may grant the pre-approval for non-audit services described in items (i) and (ii) above for non-prohibited services for engagements of less than $100,000. All such delegated pre approvals shall be presented to each Fund’s Audit Committee no later than the next Audit Committee meeting.

There were no amounts that were approved by the Audit Committee pursuant to the de minimis exception under Rule 2-01 of Regulation S-X.

According to the registrant’s principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, substantially all of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm's hours spent on auditing the registrant's financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

***

In connection with the audit of the 2022 and 2023 financial statements, the Fund entered into an engagement letter with EY. The terms of the engagement letter required by EY, and agreed to by the Audit Committee, include a provision mandating the use of mediation and arbitration to resolve any controversy or claim between the parties arising out of or relating to the engagement letter or services provided thereunder.

***

Pursuant to PCAOB Rule 3526, EY is required to describe in writing to the Fund’s Audit Committee, on at least an annual basis, all relationships between EY, or any of its affiliates, and the DWS Funds, including the Fund, or persons in financial reporting oversight roles at the DWS Funds that, as of the date of the communication, may reasonably be thought to bear on EY’s independence. Pursuant to PCAOB Rule 3526, EY has reported the matters set forth below that may reasonably be thought to bear on EY’s independence. With respect to each reported matter in the aggregate, EY advised the Audit Committee that, after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances and the applicable independence rules, it concluded that the matters do not and will not impair EY’s ability to exercise objective and impartial judgement in connection with the audits of the financial statements for the Fund and a reasonable investor with knowledge of all relevant facts and circumstances would conclude that EY has been and is capable of exercising objective and impartial judgment on all issues encompassed within EY’s audit engagements. EY also confirmed to the Audit Committee that it can continue to act as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Fund.

·EY advised the Fund’s Audit Committee that various covered persons within EY and EY’s affiliates held investments in, or had other financial relationships with, entities within the DWS Funds “investment company complex” (as defined in Regulation S-X) (the “DWS Funds Complex”). EY informed the Audit Committee that these investments and financial relationships were inconsistent with Rule 2-01(c)(1) of Regulation S-X. EY reported that all breaches have been resolved and that none of the breaches involved any professionals who were part of the audit engagement team for the Fund or in the position to influence the audit engagement team for the Fund.

 

 

   
ITEM 5. AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 6. INVESTMENTS
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 7. DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 8. PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 9. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 10. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
   
  There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board. The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Keith R. Fox, DWS Funds Board Chair, c/o Thomas R. Hiller, Ropes & Gray LLP, Prudential Tower, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02199-3600.
   
ITEM 11. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
   
  (a) The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
   
  (b) There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
   
ITEM 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End Management Investment Companies
   
  Not applicable
   
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS
   
  (a)(1) Code of Ethics pursuant to Item 2 of Form N-CSR is filed and attached hereto as EX-99.CODE ETH.
   
  (a)(2) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.
   
  (b) Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Registrant: DWS Intermediate Tax-Free Fund, a series of Deutsche DWS Tax Free Trust
   
   
By:

/s/Hepsen Uzcan

Hepsen Uzcan

President

   
Date: 7/28/2023

 

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

By:

/s/Hepsen Uzcan

Hepsen Uzcan

President

   
Date: 7/28/2023
   
   
   
By:

/s/Diane Kenneally

Diane Kenneally

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

   
Date: 7/28/2023