Tax Day 2017, scheduled for April 18, brought a variety of promotional offers and deals across the United States, with several businesses in Chicago participating in these events. These promotions were designed to alleviate the stress associated with the tax filing deadline by providing complimentary services, discounted meals, and travel incentives. The availability of these offers varied by location, with many requiring specific actions such as membership in loyalty programs, presentation of coupons, or the purchase of additional items.
Several Chicago-based hotels introduced specialized packages for the occasion. Kimpton Hotel Allegro presented a "Tax-Cation" package, offering a 17.4% discount on accommodations to cover the Chicago Hotel Accommodation Tax. This package also included a $25 daily food and beverage credit for use at 312 Chicago or Bar Allegro, with rates starting at $114 per night. Additionally, guests received a welcome amenity of Prosecco and chocolate gold coins. This package was bookable from the beginning of the promotion period until April 18, 2017, for stays between March 18 and May 31, 2017, though blackout dates applied.
Another participating Kimpton property, Hotel Palomar Chicago, offered a complimentary cocktail from Sable Kitchen & Bar’s "Brown Line" menu on April 18. This offer was limited to one cocktail per guest, with vouchers distributed upon check-in. Rates for the hotel started at $189 per night. Kimpton Chicago properties, including Hotel Palomar, Hotel Monaco Chicago, Hotel Burnham, and Hotel Allegro, also provided a surprise perk for guests staying on April 18 for a fee of $10.40. Guests could choose from a 2:00 PM check-out, an in-room social hour with a bottle of wine or Prosecco, $20 off parking, or a free appetizer and cocktail at an adjacent bar.
Food and beverage establishments in Chicago and nationally offered various deals. McDonald’s provided free coffee and discounted Quarter Pounders, though these offers depended on the specific location. Cinnabon locations offered two free Cinnabon bites to eClub members. Arby’s offered free curly fries on April 18 at select locations with no purchase necessary, but customers were advised to confirm participation with their local restaurant. Boston Market offered a Tax Day special featuring a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, a regular fountain drink, cornbread, and a cookie for $10.40. Chuck E. Cheese’s provided a free large cheese pizza with the purchase of a large pizza between April 18 and 20.
Einstein Bros. Bagels, Firehouse Subs, and Hungry Howie’s also participated. Einstein Bros. Bagels offered a free bagel with cream cheese to Shmear Society members. Firehouse Subs offered a free medium sub with the purchase of a medium or large sub, chips, and a drink, valid from April 18 through April 20. Hungry Howie’s offered a large 1-topping pizza for $10.40 with the purchase of any large pizza at regular price. Other dining offers included a Chop House Burger & Fries for $10.40 at a specific restaurant, a Grey Goose Martini special for $10.40 at Grill on the Alley in Los Angeles, and 50% off all alcoholic beverages at Tavern62 by David Burke on the Upper East Side. World of Beer offered a free beer to patrons on Tax Day.
Relaxation and wellness services were also part of the promotional landscape. Planet Fitness offered a free HydroMassage from April 15 to April 22, requiring consumers to bring a coupon available on the PlanetFitness.com website starting April 15. Zeel, a massage delivery service, offered $25 off a first massage with the code TAXDAY2017. RiverPlace Hotel in Portland offered free express manicures and hand massages on April 18 during wine hour.
Travel-related offers included a 30% discount on the base rate of Hertz car rentals if paid in advance, valid for rentals picked up at participating U.S. Hertz airport locations through June 15, 2017. This offer expired on Tax Day, April 18, 2017. Royal Caribbean offered a "tax free holiday," paying for cruise taxes, fees, and port expenses, along with a buy one, get one 50% off deal. The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York’s Hudson Valley offered a package for tax professionals, providing a free stay on April 18 with a one-night booking, including breakfast and other amenities, available from April 17-19, 2017.
Tax preparation assistance was available through Taxfyle, which offered $20 off with code TaxDay18 or $50 off with code 50Deal. Note disclaimers indicated that many offers are franchise-dependent and subject to change, and consumers were advised to verify details directly with the companies.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape for Tax Day 2017 was characterized by a broad range of offers aimed at providing value and stress relief. From hotel packages in Chicago to free massages and discounted car rentals, businesses utilized the tax deadline as an opportunity to engage consumers. While many offers were widely available, others were restricted to specific locations or required membership in loyalty programs. Consumers were advised to check local availability and terms before attempting to redeem these offers.