Tax Day 2017, falling on April 18, offered consumers across the United States, including those in Texas, a variety of freebies and special deals designed to ease the stress of filing taxes. Numerous brands and retailers participated by offering complimentary products, discounts, and promotional packages. These offers ranged from free food items to discounted services, with many available specifically to Texas residents or at participating locations within the state.
Food and Beverage Offers
Several food and beverage chains provided Tax Day promotions in 2017, with specific offers available at locations in Texas.
- Arby’s: Select Arby’s locations offered free curly fries on April 18, 2017, with no purchase necessary. Availability varied by location, so consumers were advised to check with their local restaurant beforehand.
- Boston Market: Boston Market offered a Tax Day special meal for $10.40. This meal included a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, a regular fountain drink, cornbread, and a cookie. The offer was valid for dine-in customers.
- California Tortilla: California Tortilla provided a free burrito with the purchase of a drink at participating locations in California, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas.
- Cinnabon: Select Cinnabon locations offered two free Cinnabon bites to eClub members on Tax Day.
- Einstein Bros. Bagels: Information regarding Einstein Bros. Bagels' Tax Day offer was incomplete in the provided source data.
- Quiznos: Quiznos offered a 10.40 percent deduction off any purchase on April 18 to loyalty members. Additionally, new users who downloaded the Toasty Points loyalty app received a free 4-inch sub upon download.
- Schlotzsky’s: Schlotzsky’s offered a free Original Sandwich with the purchase of a medium drink and a bag of chips on April 18.
- Sonic Drive-In: Sonic Drive-In offered half-priced cheeseburgers all day on April 18, 2017. The offer applied to single-patty cheeseburgers only, with no limit on the number of purchases.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Sonny’s BBQ offered half-price Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed Rib Dinners (including two sidekicks and homemade bread) for dine-in and takeout on Tax Day.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Bruegger’s Bagels offered a Big Bagel Bundle for $10.40, which included 13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese.
- Bob Evans: Bob Evans offered a coupon for 30 percent off the entire purchase on April 18, available for download on their website.
Health, Wellness, and Spa Services
Promotions for health and wellness services were also available, offering consumers ways to de-stress after tax season.
- Planet Fitness: Planet Fitness offered a free HydroMassage from April 15 through April 22, 2017. To receive the massage, consumers needed to bring a coupon available on the Planet Fitness website starting April 15.
- Zeel: Zeel, a massage delivery service, offered $25 off a first massage with the code TAXDAY2017.
- HydroMassage: As noted under Planet Fitness, a free HydroMassage was available with a coupon during the specified dates.
Travel and Lodging Deals
Travel-related companies offered discounts and special packages for Tax Day 2017.
- Hertz: Hertz provided a 30 percent discount on the base rate of a car rental if paid in advance. This two-day offer expired on April 18, 2017, and was valid for rentals picked up at participating U.S. Hertz airport locations through June 15, 2017.
- Hotel Allegro (Chicago): Hotel Allegro in Chicago offered a "Tax-Cation" package with a 17.4 percent discount on accommodations to cover the Chicago Hotel Accommodation Tax, plus a $25 daily food and beverage credit.
- Hotel Palomar (Chicago): Guests staying at Hotel Palomar on April 18 received a complimentary cocktail voucher from Sable Kitchen & Bar.
- Caldwell Bed and Breakfast: The Caldwell House Bed and Breakfast in New York’s Hudson Valley offered a getaway for tax professionals, including a free stay on April 18 with a one-night booking.
- JetBlue: Information regarding JetBlue's Tax Day offer was incomplete in the provided source data.
Other Services and Promotions
Additional deals included services for tax preparation and document management.
- Taxfyle: The Taxfyle tax app offered last-minute deals for Tax Day, including $20 off with code TaxDay18 or $50 off with code 50Deal.
- World of Beer: World of Beer offered a free beer to patrons on Tax Day.
- Tavern62 by David Burke: This New York establishment offered half off all alcoholic beverages on April 18.
- Free Document Shredding: Free document shredding services were mentioned as a type of Tax Day freebie available from some retailers, though specific providers were not named in the source data.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While many of these offers were widely advertised, consumers were advised to verify details before visiting participating locations. Many of these companies operate as franchises, meaning individual locations may choose not to participate in a national promotion or may offer a modified version. It is recommended to check with the local establishment or visit the company’s official website to confirm offer availability, eligibility requirements, and any necessary coupons or app downloads. Some offers required membership in a loyalty program or signing up for an email club. All promotions were subject to availability and terms set by the individual brands.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2017 provided a diverse selection of freebies and deals for consumers in Texas and nationwide. The promotions spanned multiple categories, including food and beverage, health and wellness, and travel, offering tangible benefits to those looking to save money or enjoy a post-tax treat. To maximize these opportunities, consumers should confirm participation with local retailers and adhere to any specific requirements, such as coupon presentation or loyalty program membership.