Tax Day, typically observed on April 15, is a deadline for filing federal income tax returns. For many consumers in the Washington, D.C. area, it also marks an opportunity to take advantage of promotional offers and freebies designed to ease the stress of tax season. Businesses ranging from national restaurant chains to local hotels often participate by offering discounts, free items, and special deals. The availability of these offers varies by year and participating location, and many require specific actions to redeem, such as presenting a coupon, showing proof of filing, or joining a loyalty program.
The federal income tax filing deadline is generally April 15. However, if this date falls on a weekend or a holiday observed in Washington, D.C., the deadline is extended to the next business day. For example, in one recent year, the deadline was moved to April 17 because April 15 fell on a Sunday and April 16 was Emancipation Day.
In addition to restaurant and retail promotions, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a Free File program. This program allows individuals with an adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less to file their federal taxes for free through the agency's website.
Restaurant and Food Promotions
A wide variety of dining establishments offer Tax Day freebies and discounts. Many of these deals are valid only on April 15, though some extend throughout the month. Common themes include references to tax forms, such as Form 1040, and pricing that reflects the date (e.g., $10.40).
National and Regional Chains
Several major food chains have historically offered Tax Day promotions:
- Applebees: Offers Dollaritas ($1 margaritas) for the entire month of April.
- Benihana: Offers cocktails for $10.40 on April 15.
- BJ’s Brewhouse: Provides $10 off a purchase of $40 or more on April 15 with the promo code "10OFF40". This is valid for dine-in, takeout, and delivery orders.
- Boston Market: Offers a Tax Day Special on April 17 (in the referenced year), consisting of a half chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, and a regular fountain drink for $10.40.
- Bruegger’s: Offers a $10.40 Big Bagel Bundle through April 17 with a coupon from their website. They also offer 20 percent off catering orders through April 17.
- Burger King: Royal Perks members can get a cheeseburger for 1 cent with any $1+ purchase at participating locations. This offer is available in the "Offers" tab of the BK app or at BK.com.
- California Tortilla: Offers free small chips and queso with any purchase on April 15. Customers must say "1040" in-store or use the code online.
- California Pizza Kitchen: Historically offers $10 off $40 order deals.
- Casey’s: Rewards members who buy any large pizza get a free large one-topping pizza (a "Pizza Refund") loaded into their account. This is valid on April 15 and can be redeemed until May 6.
- Checkers & Rally’s: Offers Tax Day promotions, though specific details were not fully listed in the source data.
- Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: Offers a free size upgrade on any drink on April 15, paying the regular price for a large.
- Shake Shack: Anticipated to offer a freebie with any purchase of $10.40 or more when using a promo code at checkout online or in-app.
- Smoothie King: Healthy Rewards members can look forward to an exclusive offer on Tax Day (April 15).
- Sonny's BBQ: Likely to offer a discount on their St. Louis Style Ribs for Tax Day.
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
- 7-Eleven: Offers a promotion where customers can order $20 or more in delivery through the 7Now app, use code "WRITEOFF," and get $10.40 off. Additionally, scanning a 7Rewards app when buying Slurpees, Big Gulps, Big Bites, or topping up a gas tank offers a chance to win $5,000 (one winner each day in 2025).
Local Washington, D.C. Area Establishments
Specific businesses in the Washington, D.C. and surrounding areas have offered the following:
- Brabo (Alexandria, Virginia): Pays the taxes (sales tax) on all alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine, on April 17.
- BLT Steak (D.C.): Offers 50 percent discounts on all alcoholic beverages on April 17.
- Carmine’s: Offers two drink specials for $10.40 on April 17: The Refund Rejoice Pomegranate Spritz and The Bitter Sting Negroni.
Retail and Service Offers
Beyond food, other businesses provide services or giveaways to assist consumers during tax season.
- Office Depot: Offers two pounds of free document shredding, which is practical for disposing of sensitive tax documents.
- Bob Evans Farms Tax Day Giveaway: Consumers can enter for a chance to win a comfort kit including a robe, heated coffee mug, and a year's supply of microwavable products (macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes). To enter, participants must follow Bob Evans on Instagram or Facebook, like the giveaway post, and comment with #Sweepstakes. The entry period runs through midnight CT on April 15.
Travel and Accommodation Discounts
Some hotel chains offer discounts or incentives for travelers looking to use their tax refunds for a getaway.
- Marriott: Offers 25 percent off the chain's best weekend rate for hotels in Washington, D.C. and Arlington. This is valid for bookings made on marriott.com for stays between May 2 and September 8.
- Kimpton: Offers "The Procrastinator" cocktail for free at 12 hotels in D.C., Alexandria, and Baltimore. To redeem, guests must show proof that they have sent in their taxes.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Redemption requirements for Tax Day offers vary significantly:
- Loyalty Programs: Many offers are exclusive to members of specific loyalty or rewards programs (e.g., Royal Perks at Burger King, 7Rewards at 7-Eleven, Smoothie King Healthy Rewards, Casey’s Rewards).
- Promo Codes and Coupons: Some deals require a specific promo code (e.g., "10OFF40" for BJ’s, "WRITEOFF" for 7-Eleven) or a coupon downloaded from a brand's website (e.g., Bruegger’s).
- In-Store Actions: Certain promotions require a specific phrase to be spoken at the register (e.g., "1040" at California Tortilla) or proof of tax filing (e.g., Kimpton hotels).
- Social Media Engagement: Giveaways, such as the Bob Evans sweepstakes, require following social media accounts and commenting on specific posts.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some offers are limited to specific regions, such as the Marriott discount for D.C. and Arlington hotels or the Kimpton offer for specific East Coast cities.
Conclusion
Tax Day in the Washington, D.C. area is accompanied by a variety of promotional offers designed to provide relief and rewards. These range from discounted meals and free drinks to practical services like document shredding. While many deals are concentrated on April 15, others span the surrounding days or even the entire month of April. Consumers interested in these offers should check specific brand websites or apps for current year details, coupons, and eligibility requirements, as participating locations and offer terms can change annually.