Tax Day 2019, falling on Monday, April 15, marked a significant date for millions of American taxpayers. As the deadline for filing individual tax returns approached, businesses across various regions offered promotional deals and freebies to consumers. Simultaneously, Veterans Day 2019 on November 11 featured a wide array of discounts and complimentary offers for military personnel. This article details the specific freebies and discounts available during these periods, based on verified reports and official announcements.
Tax Day 2019 Promotional Offers
Tax Day 2019 presented an opportunity for businesses to attract customers with specific promotional offers. These deals were primarily concentrated around the April 15 filing deadline.
Regional Tax Day Freebies
In the Tampa Bay area of Florida, several businesses offered complimentary items on April 15. Hooters locations in South Tampa, Brandon, 4th St. in St. Petersburg, North Tampa, Tampa/Hillsborough, St Pete/Tyrone, and John’s Pass provided free kid's meals. This offer was valid for dine-in only, with one free kid's meal per paying adult. The specific Hooters of John’s Pass location operated under time constraints, offering the deal from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Other businesses in the region participated in Tax Day freebies. Great American Cookies distributed free Original Chocolate Chip Cookies at participating stores on April 15. Hardee's offered a free sausage biscuit from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the same day.
Additional local freebies included: - Tyrone Square Mazda: Free offers from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. - Jules Car Wash: Free services from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. - Largo Library: Free activities or items from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tax Filing Context for 2019
The tax filing season for 2019 was notable due to the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This legislation introduced changes that affected how individuals filed their returns, including a doubled standard deduction and limitations on itemized deductions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) advised taxpayers to update their withholding to avoid unexpected bills.
For those seeking assistance with filing, the IRS provided resources such as IRS Free File for qualified taxpayers with an income of $66,000 or less. This service offered access to tax software and guidance for self-filers. As of April 5, 2019, approximately 103 million tax returns had been filed out of an expected 153 million, with nearly 78 million filers receiving refunds averaging approximately $2,833.
Veterans Day 2019 Discounts and Freebies
Veterans Day 2019, observed on November 11, featured a broad spectrum of discounts and free offerings for active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Restaurant and Dining Offers
Numerous restaurant chains provided free meals or significant discounts to military members on Veterans Day.
- Hometown Buffet and Old Country Buffet: Active duty, reserve, or retired military personnel with a valid ID or in uniform received a 15% discount on Military Mondays, including Veterans Day. This discount extended to up to four family members at Old Country Buffett.
- TGI Fridays: Veterans and active duty military received a free lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and a $5 coupon for a future meal.
- Subway: Select locations offered a free six-inch sub to military veterans with a valid ID.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans with a military ID received a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11, plus a 20% discount on checks from November 12 through December 31.
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Military members and veterans with a valid ID received a free entree (up to $14.95) and a free Dr. Pepper beverage.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: A free meal was offered to veterans and active duty military on November 11.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: Active, former, and retired military personnel with valid identification received a free bagel and cream cheese with no additional purchase required.
- Houlihan’s: All active-duty military members and veterans received a complimentary meal on Veterans Day.
- HMSHost Airport Restaurants: On November 11, active-duty military and veterans could enjoy a complimentary Pimento Cheeseburger at more than 70 participating airport locations.
Non-Dining Discounts and Services
Beyond dining, various other businesses provided services and discounts.
- Grace for Vets: A non-profit organization coordinated free car washes for veterans and service personnel on November 11, 2019. Over 1,500 independent car washes across four countries participated.
- KGB Espionage Museum: Veterans received discounted admission of $13, reduced from the standard adult price of $22.
- Theme Parks: Veterans could receive free admission to certain parks by presenting proof of service. These offers often included discounts for up to four companions.
Conclusion
The promotional periods surrounding Tax Day 2019 and Veterans Day 2019 offered distinct opportunities for consumers to access freebies and discounts. Tax Day focused on immediate gratification through food and local service offers, coinciding with a significant shift in tax filing procedures due to new legislation. Veterans Day provided a comprehensive array of national discounts and free meals specifically for military personnel, spanning the dining, automotive, and entertainment sectors. Consumers were advised to verify specific details, such as participating locations and required identification, directly with the offering businesses.