My husband and I live in a common law state and always claim the
standard deduction on our joint return.  Each year we contribute to
our alma mater by giving $50 to the athletic scholarship fund for
every first down the team makes.  This year we gave $4,950.
	What, if any, are the tax issues with us?  Can we be taking better
advantages of any tax opportunities? Any other tax advice?

Hello bluesteel101-ga,

That depends, really, on the rest of your financial situation.  If
your charitable contributions + your state taxes + your property taxes
+ medical expenses (if they're high enough) + interest on the mortgage
for your primary residence + miscellaneous deductions you could take
are higher than $10000 for 2005, you can itemize your deductions.

GC

GC - 
Our deductions (all those that you had mentioned) are not higher than
that amount.  We run a restaurant; can our donation be considered
advertising?  Or are these charitable donations?