Tax Day 2018, falling on April 17, offered consumers across the United States a variety of freebies and discounted deals from national chains. For residents of Florida, several businesses provided specific promotions, ranging from free food and beverages to discounted services. These offers were designed to provide some financial relief and relaxation during the tax filing deadline period. The promotions generally required specific actions, such as making a purchase, using a promo code, or mentioning a specific phrase, and were subject to participation by individual franchise locations.
Food and Beverage Deals
Numerous restaurant chains offered special pricing and free items on and around Tax Day. For Florida consumers, availability varied by location, with some deals being national and others specifically noted for Florida restaurants.
National Chain Offers
Several major chains provided Tax Day specials that were likely available at Florida locations, provided the local restaurants participated.
- Applebee’s: The chain offered a "Dollarita," a $1 margarita, available throughout the entire month of April 2018. This promotion did not require any specific action on Tax Day itself.
- Boston Market: A $10.40 "Tax Day Special" was available, which included a half chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, and a regular fountain beverage drink. This offer was valid while supplies lasted and did not require a coupon.
- Chili’s: Participating locations sold $5 Cuervo Blue margaritas.
- Chuck E. Cheese: The pizza chain offered a buy one, get one free deal for large pizzas from Tuesday through Thursday of that week.
- Cici’s Pizza: With the appropriate coupon, customers could purchase the adult buffet for $4.17 at participating locations.
- Firehouse Subs: Guests could receive a free medium sub with the purchase of a full-price medium or large sub, chips, and a drink. This promotion was valid from Tuesday, April 17, through Thursday, April 19, 2018. A coupon was required for this offer.
- Hardee’s: From 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, participating locations gave away free sausage biscuits. To receive the freebie, customers needed to say the phrase "made from scratch."
- Hooters: Children ages 12 or younger received a free kids meal with a purchase of $10 or more by an accompanying adult. The offer was valid from Saturday, April 14, through Tuesday, April 17.
- McDonald’s: The fast-food chain offered various promotions that differed based on store location. In Florida, some restaurants offered discounted Big Macs and chicken nuggets. Consumers were advised to check with their local restaurant for availability.
- Noodles & Company: The noodle shop provided a $4 discount on online orders of at least $10 using the promo code “TAXDAY18.”
- P.F. Chang’s: Customers could get 15% off online orders on Monday and Tuesday using the promo code “TAXDAY.”
- Quiznos: The sandwich shop offered a 10.40% discount on all purchases for new and current members of its “Toasty Points” loyalty program.
- Schlotzsky's: Customers who purchased chips and a medium drink received a small version of the restaurant's trademark sandwich.
- Sonic: The drive-in chain sold cheeseburgers at half price all day on Tax Day.
Florida-Specific and Regional Offers
Some deals were specifically highlighted for Florida consumers or were regional in nature.
- Grill on the Alley: This renowned American steakhouse, with locations in California, Illinois, Texas, and Florida, offered $10.40 martinis to celebrate Tax Day.
- Piada Italian Street Food: This chain offered a free giant blackberry lemonade at all locations on Tuesday.
Free Services and Stress Relief
In addition to food deals, businesses offered services aimed at helping consumers manage their tax-related paperwork and stress.
- HydroMassage: Starting Saturday and through April 21, HydroMassage offered free massages at participating locations nationwide. This promotion was part of the company’s 10th annual Tax Week promotion and was also available at Planet Fitness gyms with massage beds. Consumers could find a list of participating locations and print a coupon at www.hydromassage.com/taxday.
- Office Depot: Shredding up to five pounds of documents, including tax records, was available for free through April 28 at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. A coupon was required and could be obtained at www.officedepot.com/shredding.
- Staples: Through April 21, Staples offered "free shredding services" for up to one pound of documents. A coupon was available at www.staples.com/coupons.
Other Offers
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Consumers could get the Big Bagel Bundle for $10.40 by signing up for a coupon at www.brueggers.com/tax-day. This offer was available through Tuesday.
- BurgerFi: Customers could get a free regular order of hand-cut fries with any purchase at participating locations on Tuesday. To get this deal, customers needed to mention the April 14 NASCAR race held at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee.
- California Tortilla: With any purchase on Tuesday, customers could get a free small chips and queso by saying the phrase “chipping in.”
- Great American Cookies: The national gourmet cookie shop offered a free Cookies & Cream cookie to customers who visited participating stores on April 17. The offer was limited to one per customer, while supplies lasted.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: For one day only, on April 17, customers could get a Traditional Cheese pizza for $10.40.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2018 provided Florida consumers with a range of freebies and deals from national and regional chains. The offers spanned food, beverages, and services like document shredding and massages. Most promotions were valid on April 17, 2018, though some extended into the surrounding days. Participation and availability could vary by location, and many offers required specific actions such as making a purchase, using a coupon, or mentioning a code phrase.