Tax Day 2019 presented a unique landscape for consumers in Chicago, marked by significant changes to tax filing procedures and a variety of promotional offers designed to ease the financial burden of the season. The passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act introduced sweeping changes to individual tax returns, affecting homeowners and families with children. While the new law lowered tax rates for most, it also doubled the standard deduction and limited or discontinued many itemized deductions. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) had warned taxpayers throughout the year to update their withholding to avoid unexpected bills, but many still anticipated a different refund experience compared to previous years. This environment of financial adjustment coincided with the annual tradition of businesses offering Tax Day freebies and discounts, providing a welcome relief for many consumers.
In Chicago and its surrounding areas, the 2019 Tax Day was characterized by a diverse array of deals from national chains and local establishments. These promotions ranged from discounted meals and beverages to free food items, often leveraging the tax-themed numbers of $10.40 or $4.15. The offerings were available through various redemption methods, including in-store coupons, mobile apps, and online codes. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Tax Day 2019 deals available to Chicago residents, based on verified reports from the period.
Food and Beverage Promotions
The food and beverage sector offered the most extensive list of promotions for Tax Day 2019, with national chains and local restaurants participating heavily.
National Chain Offers
Several well-known national food chains provided Tax Day specials that were available at their Chicago locations.
- Boston Market: This chain offered a $10.40 Tax Day special, which included a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, and a regular fountain beverage. The promotion was valid from April 10 through April 15, while supplies lasted.
- Bruegger’s Bagels: Bruegger’s offered a Big Bagel Bundle, consisting of 13 New York–style bagels and two tubs of cream cheese, for $10.40. This deal was available from April 10 through April 15.
- Cicis: Guests could purchase a large drink and receive an adult buffet meal for $4.15 on Tax Day. A coupon was required for redemption.
- Great American Cookies: This brand offered a free Original Chocolate Chip Cookie on April 15, with no purchase required.
- Hardee’s: Participating locations provided one free sausage biscuit from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tax Day.
- Krispy Kreme: Krispy Kreme promoted what it called the "ultimate tax break." Customers who ordered any dozen online received a second Original Glazed dozen free with the code TAXBREAK. For in-person orders, customers paid sales tax only on the second dozen.
- Burger King: Burger King extended its promotion beyond a single day, offering a flame-grilled Cheeseburger for 1¢ with a $1+ purchase. This offer was valid through April 20 and was available only via the chain's app or online.
- Arby’s: Select locations offered free curly fries on April 18 with no purchase necessary.
- Bob Evans: A 30 percent discount was available on the bill if a specific coupon was presented.
- Boston Market (Additional Offer): In addition to the $10.40 special, another report noted a half-chicken individual meal with two sides, cornbread, a regular fountain soda, and a cookie for $10.40.
Local Chicago and Regional Establishments
Chicago-area restaurants and bars created unique, location-specific promotions for Tax Day 2019.
- Shake Shack: Shake Shack offered a Tax Day deal that was valid through April 27.
- Dog Haus: This establishment provided a free side of tater tots with any purchase of $5 or more.
- Cody’s Public House: Located in Chicago's East Lakeview, Cody's Public House hosted a Tax Day Refund Relief event, offering a $10.40 beer and shot combo deal. Options included combinations such as Guinness and Tully, Modelo and Dobel, Old Style and Malort, or Schlitz and Jim Beam.
- Itoko: Situated in Lakeview's Southport Corridor, Itoko celebrated Tax Day with a cocktail special named "The 10.25," referencing Chicago's sales tax rate. The $10.25 cocktail deal was available during happy hour from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the bar area. Their typical happy hour deals, including $3 nigiri and $14 ramen, were also available.
- True Food Kitchen: True Food Kitchen offered "Tax-Free Dining" with a 15% discount on Tax Day, equivalent to the highest state sales tax including alcohol. The code "TAXBREAK" was used to redeem this deal in stores.
- Hooters: Hooters customers could get one select appetizer for $4.15 by applying a reward in the Hooters app at checkout.
Online and Delivery Services
Delivery platforms also participated in the Tax Day promotional landscape.
- Amazon Restaurants: This service offered $7 off a first order with the code EAT7.
- DoorDash: New customers could receive $20 off any order through April.
- 7-Eleven: Through the 7Now Delivery app, customers could get $10.40 off any order of $20 or more using the code "WRITEOFF."
Other Tax Day and Seasonal Freebies
While food and beverage deals were the most prevalent, other forms of freebies and discounts were noted during the tax season period.
Political and Civic Freebies
The tax season and election period overlapped with other forms of public incentives. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a $46 billion pre-election budget that included $1.8 billion in temporary tax relief, which froze the state gas tax. This action was part of a broader "freebie frenzy" that also included a city pilot program providing monthly checks of $500 to 5,000 selected residents. Additionally, various political figures used giveaways, such as turkeys and gas cards, as sweeteners to win support for budgets or during election seasons.
Veterans Day Freebies
Although not directly related to Tax Day, Veterans Day freebies in Chicago provide insight into the types of offers and redemption processes common for such promotions. In 2022, Chicago offered free or discounted food and services to veterans. Key terms for these offers included:
- Proof of Military Status: Required for all offers, typically a military ID or uniform.
- Participation Limits: One offer per person, while supplies last.
- Location Variance: Price and participation could vary by location, city, and market.
- Dine-In Only: Most offers were valid for dine-in only.
Specific free events included free admission to the Pritzker Military Museum and Library and the National Veterans Art Museum. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at Soldier Field, with free parking available.
Eligibility and Redemption Processes
Based on the available information, the eligibility and redemption processes for Tax Day 2019 deals in Chicago followed several common patterns.
Purchase Requirements
Many offers required a purchase to redeem the discount or free item. For example, Burger King's 1¢ cheeseburger required a $1+ purchase. Similarly, Dog Haus required a $5 purchase for a free side of tater tots. However, some offers, such as Great American Cookies' free cookie and Arby's free curly fries, did not require a purchase.
Coupon and Code Usage
Digital and physical coupons were essential for redeeming many deals. Bruegger's Bagels required customers to print a coupon from their website. Cicis also required a coupon. For digital offers, specific codes were used: EAT7 for Amazon Restaurants, TAXBREAK for Krispy Kreme and True Food Kitchen, and WRITEOFF for 7-Eleven.
Time-Sensitive Promotions
Most Tax Day deals were strictly time-sensitive. Many were valid only on April 15, while others, like Boston Market's and Bruegger's, ran from April 10 through April 15. Burger King's promotion extended to April 20, and Shake Shack's deal was valid through April 27. This highlights the importance of checking specific offer dates.
In-App and Online Exclusivity
Several promotions were exclusive to digital platforms. Burger King's deal was only available in the app or online. Hooters required the use of its app to apply a reward. DoorDash and Amazon Restaurants deals were online delivery offers. This trend indicates a shift toward mobile and online engagement for promotional offers.
Conclusion
The Tax Day 2019 period in Chicago was a dynamic time for consumers, shaped by new tax legislation and a robust offering of promotional deals. The food and beverage industry led the way with discounts and free items, using tax-themed pricing and digital redemption methods to attract customers. While the primary focus was on Tax Day, other seasonal freebies, such as those for Veterans Day, demonstrated a broader culture of promotional offers tied to civic and national events. Consumers were advised to pay attention to specific terms, including purchase requirements, valid dates, and participation rules, to maximize the value of these opportunities. The information presented here is derived from reports published around the time of Tax Day 2019, reflecting the offers available during that specific period.