Tax Day 2019, falling on Monday, April 15, presented a variety of complimentary items and discounted services from numerous national and regional businesses. These offers were designed to provide some relief to consumers during the annual tax filing deadline. The promotions ranged from free food items and beverages to discounted meals and even complimentary wellness services. While the majority of these deals were exclusively available on April 15, some extended throughout the month or started in the days leading up to the deadline. Availability was generally limited to participating locations, and specific terms, such as the requirement to mention a code word or make a purchase, varied by establishment.
The following guide details the verified freebies and deals available on Tax Day 2019, based on information from multiple sources.
Food and Beverage Promotions
A significant portion of Tax Day 2019 promotions centered on food and beverages, with many popular restaurant chains offering free items or special pricing.
Burger and Sandwich Chains
Several burger and sandwich shops offered promotions on Tax Day. Hardee’s provided a free sausage biscuit at participating locations during breakfast hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on April 15. To redeem the offer, customers were required to say the phrase “made from scratch” to the cashier. This deal was highlighted in multiple reports as a morning-specific freebie.
B.Good, a fast-casual restaurant chain, promoted a more flexible offer valid for a week, from April 15 through April 20. New customers who downloaded the B.Good app could receive a free green or grain bowl or a burger. For existing app users, the promotion provided free fries with any purchase during the same period. The chain’s marketing suggested customers could choose an indulgent option like the Maple Bacon Burger or a lighter item such as the Mediterranean Chicken Bowl.
Firehouse Subs ran a "buy one, get one" style promotion. Customers could receive a free medium sub sandwich when they purchased another medium or large sub, along with chips and a drink. This offer was confirmed by at least two different sources, though specific details on whether the purchase had to be of equal or greater value were not uniformly specified across all reports.
Mexican and Specialty Eateries
California Tortilla offered a free side of chips and queso to customers. To receive the complimentary item, patrons simply needed to say the code word "1040" when placing their order. This promotion was valid for in-store orders only on April 15 and was not combinable with other offers or valid for online or delivery orders.
Schlotzsky’s, known for its sandwiches, offered guests a free small "The Original" sandwich. This deal was contingent on the purchase of a medium-sized drink and a bag of chips. The offer was available on Tax Day at participating locations.
Pizza Chains
For pizza lovers, Cici’s Pizza offered an adult buffet for $4.15 with the purchase of a large drink. A coupon was required to take advantage of this discounted buffet pricing. Another pizza chain, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, offered half-price on large deep-dish or Tavern-Cut Pizzas on April 15. This deal was valid for dine-in, take-out, or delivery.
Coffee, Dessert, and Smoothies
Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt provided a free small frozen yogurt on Tax Day. The offer was limited to one per customer and was subject to supply availability. In the dessert category, Great American Cookies gave away one free Original Chocolate Chip cookie to customers on April 15.
Bars and Beverage-Focused Deals
Beverage-focused promotions were also prominent. Applebee’s featured its monthly drink special, the Strawberry Dollarita, for just $1 throughout April. This $1 margarita deal was widely available at participating locations and was highlighted as a month-long promotion. A different type of beverage offer was available at The Bavarian Bierhaus at Opry Mills, which provided a 15 percent discount to guests who said the phrase “Prost! Taxes are done!” on April 15.
For a more upscale cocktail experience, Cachette 1907 at Le Pavillon in New York offered a specialized "Income Tax" cocktail for the special price of $10.40. The drink, named the 1040 cocktail, was a mix of rum, pineapple, orange juice, and coconut cream. Similarly, Divine Lounge in Chicago offered a 10 percent discount on the entire bill for the day, providing a place for patrons to use their tax refunds.
Local and Regional Food Deals
Several local and regional establishments also participated. Midtown Cafe ran a "Ms. Cheap Tax Day special," offering free coffee, soda, or iced tea for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner on April 15. Customers simply had to mention "Ms. Cheap" to their server. Farmer Boys was also listed among the participating restaurants, though specific details of its offer were not fully elaborated in the provided data.
Wellness and Service Offers
Beyond food and drink, some businesses offered services aimed at reducing the stress of Tax Day. HydroMassage and Planet Fitness partnered for the 11th annual "Free Massage During Tax Week." This promotion provided free 10-minute HydroMassage sessions to both members and non-members at over 1,700 Planet Fitness locations. The free massage offer was valid through April 20, extending beyond the official Tax Day.
Additionally, H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt offered discounts on tax preparation services. For those looking to file their own taxes, online services such as TurboTax and TaxSlayer had deals available for using their platforms to file returns.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While the offers listed were widely reported, consumers were advised to verify details before visiting a specific location. Most promotions were subject to the following conditions:
- Participating Locations Only: Deals were generally available only at participating restaurants and stores. It was recommended to call ahead or check the local establishment's social media or website for confirmation.
- Limited Availability: Free items were often available only while supplies lasted.
- Specific Instructions: Many offers required a specific action to redeem, such as mentioning a code word ("1040," "made from scratch," "Ms. Cheap") or showing proof of a downloaded app.
- Purchase Requirements: Some deals, like the Schlotzsky's and California Tortilla offers, required a purchase to receive the free item.
- Timing: The majority of deals were valid only on April 15, but some, like the B.Good app offer and HydroMassage promotion, extended for several days.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2019 offered a diverse array of freebies and discounts, primarily focused on the food and beverage industry. From free breakfast biscuits and cookies to discounted pizzas and specialized cocktails, businesses provided numerous ways for consumers to find a small perk during the tax filing deadline. Service-based offers, such as complimentary massages and tax preparation discounts, also contributed to the promotional landscape. As with any widespread promotional event, the key for consumers was to check for local participation and adhere to the specific terms and conditions set by each business to successfully redeem the offers.