Tax Day, April 15, 2019, marked the federal income tax filing deadline for the year. For many U.S. consumers, this day signifies a financial obligation, but it also presents a unique opportunity for savings. Numerous national brands and local businesses traditionally offer special promotions, freebies, and discounted deals to acknowledge the occasion. These offers span a variety of categories, including food and beverage, health and wellness, and retail services. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and promotional offers available on Tax Day 2019, based on verified information from multiple sources.
The range of promotions available on Tax Day 2019 was extensive. Consumers could find complimentary food items, discounted meals, free services, and even opportunities to file taxes at no cost. Many of these offers required no purchase or proof of tax filing, making them accessible to a broad audience. However, availability was often contingent on participating locations, and some deals had specific time windows or purchase requirements. Understanding the details of each promotion, including any necessary codes, phrases, or membership requirements, was essential for consumers to successfully redeem these offers.
Food and Beverage Freebies and Deals
A significant portion of Tax Day 2019 promotions centered on the food and beverage industry. Restaurants, quick-service chains, and dessert shops offered a variety of incentives to attract customers. Many of these deals were designed to provide immediate relief or a small treat, often available for a limited time on or around April 15.
Restaurant and Quick-Service Chain Offers
Several major restaurant chains participated in Tax Day 2019 with specific promotions. These offers ranged from free food items to discounted meals and drinks.
- Applebee’s: Applebee’s featured its April drink special, the Strawberry Dollarita, for just $1 at participating locations throughout the month of April 2019. This drink was described as being made with tequila, strawberry, and margarita mix, served on the rocks with a Twizzlers candy straw. The promotion was valid through April 30, 2019, at participating locations.
- Boston Market: Boston Market offered a $10.40 Tax Day special from April 10 through April 15, 2019. This deal was available at participating locations.
- Hardee’s: Hardee’s provided free sausage biscuits from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on April 15, 2019, at participating locations. To receive this freebie, customers needed to say the phrase, “Made from scratch.” The offer was limited to one per customer, while supplies lasted.
- Hot Dog on a Stick: Participating Hot Dog on a Stick locations offered one free original turkey or veggie dog on April 15, 2019. The promotion was limited to one per customer and did not require a purchase or proof of completed taxes.
- Hooters: Hooters offered a kids-eat-free deal through April 15, 2019, with a $15 adult purchase at participating locations. Some locations extended the offer over the weekend. A list of participating locations was available online.
- Slim Chickens: Slim Chickens ran a one-day Tax Day promotion on April 15, 2019, featuring a $5.99 Chick's Meal. This meal included three tenders, two pieces of Texas Toast, a side of the customer's choice, and a medium drink. The deal was limited to one per person.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Sonny’s BBQ offered an “IRS – Irresistible Ribs Special” on April 15, 2019, with half-priced Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed Rib dinners. These dinners included two sides and bread.
- Tijuana Flats: Tijuana Flats offered $5 burritos at all locations on April 15, 2019.
- White Castle: White Castle provided a 15% discount on any in-Castle order on April 15, 2019. Customers could obtain a coupon from the White Castle website or through an email subscription. The coupon was also posted on the company’s social media channels.
- B.GOOD: B.GOOD offered a promotion for both new and existing app users. New app users could choose a free green or grain bowl or burger by downloading the new restaurant app between April 15 and April 20, 2019. Existing app users could get free fries with any purchase at participating locations during the same period.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: BJ’s offered half-off large deep-dish or Tavern-Cut Pizzas on April 15, 2019, for dine-in, take-out, or delivery.
- California Tortilla: California Tortilla offered free chips and queso with any purchase on April 15, 2019. Customers needed to say “1040” when placing their order. The offer was valid in-store only and not valid with other offers, online orders, or delivery orders.
- Farmer Boys: Farmer Boys had a Tax Day promotion, though specific details were not fully listed in the provided source material.
Dessert and Specialty Food Promotions
Dessert and specialty food items were also part of the Tax Day 2019 freebie landscape.
- Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt: Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt offered a free small frozen yogurt on April 15, 2019.
- Great American Cookies: Great American Cookies provided one free Original Chocolate Chip Cookie at participating locations on April 15, 2019.
- Kona Ice: Kona Ice designated April 15, 2019, as its National “Chill Out Day.” The company offered free cups of tropical shaved ice from its trucks during select hours. Participating hours and locations were available on the Kona Ice website.
Food Delivery and Online Services
Online food services also participated in Tax Day 2019 promotions.
- Amazon Restaurants: Amazon Restaurants offered a $7 discount on a customer's first order using the code EAT7. This promotion was available nationwide.
Health, Wellness, and Service Freebies
Beyond food, Tax Day 2019 promotions included services related to health, wellness, and household management. These offers provided consumers with opportunities to access services at no cost or at a reduced rate.
Health and Wellness Services
- HydroMassage: HydroMassage partnered with Planet Fitness for the 11th annual “Free Massage During Tax Week” from April 14 to April 20, 2019. Free massages were available to both members and non-members at more than 1,700 Planet Fitness locations nationwide.
- Planet Fitness: Planet Fitness was the partner location for the HydroMassage promotion, hosting free massages for members and non-members during the specified week.
Household and Administrative Services
- Office Depot & Office Max: Office Depot and Office Max offered free document shredding services. Customers could bring in up to 5 pounds of documents to be shredded for free at participating locations. This service was available on or around Tax Day 2019.
- AARP: AARP Tax-Aide provided free tax preparation services. This program is designed to assist individuals, particularly those with low to moderate income, in filing their taxes.
- Tax Preparation Software: Several online platforms offered free federal and state tax filing services for the 2018 tax year (filed in 2019). These included:
- DIY Tax: Allowed users to file federal and state returns online for free.
- My Free Taxes: Offered free filing for individuals who earned $66,000 or less.
- TaxSlayer: Provided free filing for federal and state returns through its “TaxSlayer Simply Free” product.
Retail and Travel Deals
While the primary focus of Tax Day 2019 promotions was on food and services, some retail and travel companies also offered deals.
- RetailMeNot: RetailMeNot, a deals and coupon website, compiled and published a list of Tax Day deals. Their shopping and trends expert, Sara Skirboll, noted that offers extended to retailers in categories like apparel, travel, and fitness, in addition to food and delivery services.
- Orbitz: The travel retailer Orbitz offered a promotion where it would match all taxes and fees paid on bookings made on April 15, 2019. The matched amount was provided in Orbucks, which are travel dollars usable for future trips.
National Parks and Other Freebies
Additional Tax Day 2019 freebies included opportunities for recreation and community services.
- National Parks: April 20, 2019, was designated as a National Park Free Entrance Day. This allowed visitors to enter participating national parks without paying an entrance fee.
- Cachette 1907 at Le Pavillon: This establishment in New York City offered an “Income Tax” cocktail for a special price of $10.40 on April 15, 2019. The drink featured rum, pineapple, orange juice, and coconut cream.
- Divine Lounge: The Divine Lounge, located within the Ivy Hotel in Chicago, offered a 10% discount on the entire bill on April 15, 2019.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking to take advantage of Tax Day freebies and deals, consumers should be aware of several key factors. Most offers are valid only at participating locations, which may not be universal across all branches of a chain. It is advisable to confirm with the local establishment before visiting. Many promotions are limited to one per customer and may require specific actions, such as saying a code phrase or making a purchase. Supplies for free items are often limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, some deals are restricted to in-store purchases and may not be valid for online or delivery orders. For service-based freebies, such as massages or tax preparation, it is recommended to check for availability and any required appointments in advance.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2019 offered a diverse array of freebies and promotional deals designed to provide consumers with some relief during the tax filing deadline. The most prominent offers were concentrated in the food and beverage sector, with numerous national chains providing free food items, discounted meals, and special drink prices. Beyond dining, promotions extended to health and wellness services, such as free massages, and practical services like free document shredding and tax preparation assistance. Retail and travel sectors also featured select deals, including price matching and discounts. While these promotions provided valuable savings, consumers were advised to verify participation, terms, and availability with individual locations or providers. The variety of offers underscored a broader trend of businesses using Tax Day as an opportunity to attract customers and build goodwill.