Tax Day 2019 brought a variety of promotional offers and freebies for consumers, particularly those in Michigan facing the annual filing deadline. Additionally, during the government shutdown of late 2018 and early 2019, specific assistance programs were established for furloughed federal workers in the state. These initiatives ranged from food discounts and free services to health care waivers and educational event access. The following sections detail the specific offers available, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes based on verified reports from that period.
Tax Day 2019 Promotional Offers
On April 15, 2019, numerous businesses across the country offered rewards and discounts to assist weary taxpayers. Retail Me Not identified savings opportunities across food, apparel, travel, fitness, and other sectors. While many of these were national promotions, they were accessible to consumers in Michigan.
Food and Beverage Deals
Several restaurant chains provided specific meal deals and discounts on Tax Day.
- Bruegger's Bagels: This establishment offered a "big bag bundle" containing 13 bagels for $10.40. The price point appears to reference the tax filing deadline date.
- Boston Market: Customers could purchase a tax day meal for $10.40. This meal included a half chicken, two sides, cornbread, and a regular fountain drink.
- Applebee's: The chain ran a drink special throughout the month, offering the "strawberry dollarita" for $1.00.
Services and Retail Offers
Beyond food, other businesses provided services and retail discounts to aid consumers on Tax Day.
- Office Depot and Office Max: To assist with the disposal of sensitive financial documents, these retailers offered free shredding services. The offer covered up to 5 pounds of documents and was valid through April 27, 2019.
- Macy's: A retail discount was available for women's shoes. Macy's offered 40 percent off when purchasing two or more pairs, valid through the Monday following Tax Day.
Assistance for Federal Workers During the Government Shutdown
During the government shutdown that began in December 2018, a growing list of freebies and deals became available for furloughed federal workers in Michigan. These programs aimed to support employees working without a paycheck until the government reopened.
Health Care Support
- Beaumont Health: This health system waived emergency and urgent care copays and deductibles for unpaid federal workers. The waiver applied to the employees and their insured family members. It was retroactive to December 22, 2018, and remained in effect until the government reopened. Employees who had paid for care during this period could contact Beaumont to adjust their bills.
Local Community Support
- Marathon Gas Station (Wixom): The owner of a Wixom gas station provided $40 gift cards to furloughed federal employees. This offer was announced by U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens.
- Eastern Michigan University: The university offered free admission to all home athletic events for furloughed federal workers until the government reopened.
Veterans Day 2019 Free Meal Offers
While the search query focused on Tax Day and the government shutdown, the source data also included extensive details regarding Veterans Day 2019 offers. These freebies are relevant to the broader context of promotional offers available to specific groups of consumers in Michigan.
Restaurant Freebies for Veterans
Numerous restaurant chains offered free meals or specific items to military veterans and active duty personnel on November 11, 2019. Most offers required a valid military ID or proof of service, and it was advised that customers contact their local locations for details.
- TGI Fridays: Veterans and active duty military personnel received a free meal from a select menu between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. They also received a $5 coupon for a future visit.
- Subway: A free six-inch sub was available at select locations.
- Outback Steakhouse: Veterans received a free Bloomin’ Onion and a non-alcoholic beverage. They also received 20 percent off their check from November 12 through December 31, 2019.
- BJs Restaurant Brewhouse: Offered a free entree (up to $14.95) and a free Dr. Pepper beverage.
- Bandanas BBQ Restaurant: Provided a free meal.
- Manhattan Bagel Company: Offered a free bagel and cream cheese. No additional purchase was required.
- Houlihan’s: Provided a free and complimentary meal.
- Golden Corral: This chain offered a free sit-in "thank you" dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Red Robin: Veterans and active duty military received a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries.
- Mission BBQ: Offered a free sandwich and a slice of cake.
- O’Charley’s Restaurant: Provided a free meal from the restaurant’s menu.
- Grub Burger Bar: Offered a free meal.
- IHOP: Provided a free breakfast for active duty and retired veterans.
Other Promotional Programs
The source data included details on other loyalty and promotional programs, though not all were specific to Michigan or the searched timeframes.
Del Taco Rewards Program
Source data outlined the Del Taco rewards program, which included various tiers and benefits. The "Epic" level, requiring 250 points, offered rewards such as free snack-sized chips and guac every month, 12 points per dollar spent, Wednesday Hookups, free iced or hot coffee (before 11 a.m. with purchase), and a birthday reward for any shake or dessert with purchase. This program illustrates the type of brand freebies available to consumers who sign up for loyalty schemes.
Twin Peaks Restaurant Contest Terms
Information regarding a contest at Twin Peaks Restaurant highlighted eligibility and verification requirements for winners. Participants were required to provide valid government-issued photo identification depicting proof of age and a valid taxpayer identification number or social security number for tax-reporting purposes. Twin Peaks Restaurant reserved the right to deny the award if the winner failed to provide satisfactory identification or if the contest was affected by technical issues or unauthorized intervention.
Conclusion
The promotional landscape for Michigan consumers in 2019 included targeted offers for Tax Day, specific support for federal workers during the government shutdown, and widespread Veterans Day freebies. Tax Day deals featured food discounts from Bruegger's Bagels, Boston Market, and Applebee's, alongside practical services like free document shredding at Office Depot and Office Max. During the government shutdown, Beaumont Health provided essential health care waivers, while local businesses and universities offered financial and admission assistance to furloughed workers. Veterans Day saw a comprehensive list of restaurants providing free meals to service members. These offers demonstrate how brands and organizations utilize specific dates and events to provide value to distinct consumer segments.