Tax Day, typically April 15, marks the federal income tax filing deadline for United States consumers. In recent years, this date has become synonymous with a variety of promotional offers from restaurants and retailers designed to alleviate the stress of tax season. These promotions range from free food items and discounted meals to practical services like free document shredding. The availability of these deals varies by location and participating franchise, with many requiring specific actions such as coupon presentation, app usage, or loyalty program membership.
Understanding Tax Day Promotions
Tax Day deals are generally available on April 15, though some promotions extend to surrounding days. The offers often reference tax-related themes, such as "tax breaks" or pricing points that mirror tax forms (e.g., $10.40 or $4.15). While the specific year referenced in the source data is 2025, the nature of these offers suggests a recurring annual tradition.
Key Dates and Deadlines
The federal income tax filing deadline is April 15 every year, unless that date falls on a weekend or observed holiday in Washington, D.C., in which case the deadline shifts to the next business day. For the year 2025, April 15 fell on a Tuesday.
Restaurant and Food Retailer Offers
A wide array of dining establishments participate in Tax Day promotions. These offers typically require customers to take specific actions, such as downloading an app, entering a promo code, or showing a coupon.
National Chains and Specific Offers
- Arby’s: Customers could obtain free curly fries or potato cakes with a coupon. Additionally, there was an opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win one of ten $500 tax relief payouts.
- Baskin-Robbins: This chain offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on ice cream cones for 99 cents through April 16, requiring a coupon.
- Burger King: Rewards members (specifically Royal Perks members) were eligible to get a cheeseburger for 1 cent with any $1 purchase. This deal was valid through April 20, 2025, and was a one-time use offer available via the Burger King app.
- Cinnabon: Participating locations offered two free Cinnabon Bites from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on April 15, while supplies lasted.
- Fazoli’s: On April 15, 2025, Fazoli’s offered a buy-one-get-one FREE Classic Baked Spaghetti deal for digital orders placed via the restaurant’s site or app. The promo code TAX25 was required at checkout.
- Hooters: Loyalty members could get one select appetizer for $4.15 on April 15. Options included Mozzarella sticks, Fried Pickles, Chips & Queso, Lots-A-Tots, Buffalo Shrimp, Cheese & Pretzels, 4-count Sliders, and Tex Mex Nachos. This required applying a reward in the Hooters app.
- Kona Ice: Kona Ice offered free cups of shaved ice on April 15 to help taxpayers "chill out." Participating trucks set their own hours, and specific locations were identified in the Phoenix, Arizona area for the 2025 Tax Day.
- Krispy Kreme: Customers had two ways to save. In-shop, purchasing any dozen doughnuts allowed the buyer to get a second Original Glazed dozen for just the price of the sales tax. For online orders, using the promo code "TAXBREAK" at checkout resulted in a free second Original Glazed dozen with the purchase of any dozen at regular price. There was a limit of two dozen per guest in-shop and one free dozen online.
- McDonald’s: Participating South Florida restaurants offered a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on Big Macs, where the second sandwich cost a penny.
- Papa John’s: Customers could order online to get a large three-topping pizza and two liters of Pepsi for $10.40 using the coupon code TAXSPC.
- Bonefish Grill: This restaurant offered $5 Bang Bang Shrimp from 4:00 p.m. to closing on Monday, April 14.
- Boston Market: A "Rib-Bate" special offered two St. Louis-style rib meals for $10.40 on Monday, April 14. Additionally, customers could enter to win one of 1,040 free rib dinners and receive a $1-off coupon.
- Brio Tuscan Grille: Mentioning "Tax-Free Tax Day" allowed customers to have the tax deducted from their bill on Monday, April 14.
- Chili’s: A coupon allowed customers to get a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an adult entree through April 18.
- Checkers & Rally’s: Guests could get two Crispy Fish or Spicy Chicken sandwiches for $3.
- BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Referencing the 1040 Income Tax Return Form, BJ’s offered $10 off any $40 purchase on take-out and delivery orders on April 15, 2025. The promo code 10OFF40 was required at checkout.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Most food deals require the customer to be present on April 15, though some extend to surrounding dates. Specific requirements include: * Coupons: Many deals, such as those at Arby’s and Baskin-Robbins, require a physical or digital coupon. * App Usage: Burger King and Hooters deals are exclusively available through their respective mobile apps for loyalty members. * Online Codes: Papa John’s, Fazoli’s, and Krispy Kreme (online orders) require specific promo codes at checkout. * Location Specifics: Some offers, like the McDonald’s deal, are limited to specific regions (South Florida). Participation may vary by franchise location for all chains. * Sweepstakes: Arby’s and Boston Market offered sweepstakes entries for tax relief payouts or free meals.
Non-Food Retail Offers
While food deals dominate Tax Day promotions, some retailers offer services relevant to the tax filing process.
Office Supply Shredding
- Office Max / Office Depot: Consumers could shred up to 5 lbs. of old tax documents for free. This offer was valid through April 26, 2025, and required a coupon. This service is intended to help taxpayers securely dispose of sensitive financial documents after filing.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2025 provided a variety of promotional opportunities for U.S. consumers to save money on food and manage post-filing tasks. The offers highlighted by the source material focused heavily on national restaurant chains utilizing digital tools (apps and promo codes) and traditional coupons to distribute discounts. Key themes included pricing tied to tax percentages (e.g., sales tax on a second dozen of donuts) and references to tax forms (e.g., $10 off $40). While many deals were valid specifically on April 15, some extended into the surrounding week. Consumers were advised to check specific location participation and ensure they met eligibility requirements, such as loyalty membership or coupon possession, to redeem these offers.
Sources
- Kaufman Rossin: Get Your Tax Day Freebies and Discounts!
- USA TODAY: Tax Day food deals 2025
- AZCentral: Tax Day food deals: How to get freebies at Krispy Kreme, Fazoli's and more in Arizona
- Columbus on the Cheap: Tax Day freebies and deals
- The Krazy Coupon Lady: Tax Day Freebies & Deals
- Charlotte on the Cheap: Tax Day Freebies and Deals
