2017 Tax Day Freebies and Deals: A Consumer Guide to Nationwide Offers

Tax Day 2017, falling on April 18, marked the deadline for filing federal tax returns, a date that often brings stress for many Americans. However, numerous businesses across the country sought to alleviate this burden by offering a variety of freebies, discounts, and special deals. These promotions, ranging from complimentary food items to discounted services, were available at participating locations nationwide, though availability often varied by region and specific store. The following guide provides a comprehensive overview of the verified offers available on and around Tax Day 2017, based on reports from multiple news outlets and official announcements.

Food and Beverage Promotions

The food and beverage sector offered the most extensive list of promotions for Tax Day 2017. Major chains and local franchises alike provided incentives for customers to visit their establishments.

Pizza and Cookie Deals

Several pizza and cookie chains offered significant value. Chuck E. Cheese provided a promotional offer valid from April 18 through April 20, allowing customers to receive a free large cheese pizza with the purchase of a large pizza. This offer was valid at participating locations.

Great American Cookies offered a specific freebie on Tax Day itself, April 18. Participating locations provided a free Regular Birthday Cake Cookie to customers. Reports indicated that this was generally limited to one per customer while supplies lasted, and no purchase was necessary to redeem the cookie.

Hungry Howie's presented a unique pricing promotion. From April 17 through April 19, customers could purchase a medium, one-topping pizza for 15 cents. To access this price, customers placing online orders were required to use the promo code "TAXTIME." This deal was specifically noted as a way to stretch a refund.

Sub Sandwich Offers

Firehouse Subs ran a "buy one, get one" style promotion valid from April 18 through April 20. To receive a free medium sub sandwich, customers were required to purchase a medium or large sub, chips, and a medium drink. This offer required a coupon, which could be obtained via the restaurant's Facebook page or through an email sent to newsletter subscribers. Signing up for the newsletter at www.firehousesubs.com/newsletter was the method to receive the coupon directly.

Arby's offered a simpler freebie: free curly fries were available on April 18. This offer required no purchase but was strictly limited to participating locations.

Full-Service Restaurant and Dining Specials

Boston Market provided a "Tax Day Meal Special" on April 18 for $10.40. This meal included a Half Chicken Individual Meal with two sides, cornbread, a regular fountain beverage, and a cookie. The offer was valid for dine-in customers only.

McDonald's promotions varied significantly by location. In Central Ohio, participating restaurants offered a Buy One, Get One for $0.18 deal on Big Mac or Quarter Pounder sandwiches on April 18. Elsewhere, reports indicated deals ranging from 18-cent Quarter Pounders (with the purchase of a full-price item) to free drinks. Consumers were advised to check with their local McDonald's for specific participation.

Hooters focused on family dining with a "Kids Eat Free" promotion. Valid on April 17 and 18 at select locations, children 12 and under could eat free with the purchase of $10 or more by an accompanying adult. Some locations restricted this offer to dine-in only.

Longhorn Steakhouse offered a 10% discount on two adult dinner entrees on Tax Day. This required a coupon, which was distributed via email to those signed up for their offers.

Chili's offered a beverage promotion, providing $6 blueberry and pineapple margaritas at participating locations all day on Tax Day. No coupon was required; customers simply needed to ask their server.

Dessert and Snack Specials

Cinnabon offered two free Cinnabon bites on Tax Day, though this was specifically noted as being for eClub members at select locations.

Kona Ice provided a unique service-based freebie. The company deployed trucks to post offices, tax preparation centers, and businesses nationwide to hand out free cups of tropical shaved ice and complimentary Hawaiian leis. Customers could find the Kona Ice truck in their community by tweeting their zip code to @KonaIce.

Travel and Entertainment Offers

While less numerous than food offers, several travel and entertainment companies provided discounts coinciding with Tax Day.

JetBlue ran a sweepstakes promotion through April 25. Participants could visit JetBlueTaxReturnFlight.com for a chance to win one of 1,000 free one-way flights. Notably, this drawing was restricted to individuals who owed money to the IRS on their 2016 tax returns.

Medieval Times offered discounted admission using the coupon code "SBEB17," reducing adult tickets to $37.95. Children's tickets were available for $29.95 through the end of April.

Best Western ran a month-long promotion in April, offering rewards members a $10 gift card with every stay.

Hampton by Hamilton (likely referring to Hampton Inn) offered AAA members a 15% discount on the best available rates using the coupon code "AAA" through Tax Day Eve, April 17.

Wilderness at the Smokies resort offered savings of up to 20% on select stays through the end of May using the promo code "SB17."

General Retail and Service Offers

Einstein Bros. Bagels provided a discount via email. Customers who signed up for future offers could receive a $1 off coupon specifically for Tax Day.

Bruegger’s Bagels offered a "Big Bagel Bundle" (a baker’s dozen of bagels and two tubs of cream cheese) for $10.40. This offer was valid from April 12 through April 19 at participating locations, excluding specific locations in Old Raleigh, Raleigh-Durham Airport, and Wakefield Commons. A coupon was required and could be obtained from their website.

Important Considerations for Consumers

While the offers listed above were reported by multiple sources, consumers were strongly advised to exercise due diligence before traveling to a location.

Participation Varies: The most critical caveat across all promotions was that not all locations participated in each promotion. News reports and official announcements frequently included disclaimers urging customers to check with their favorite local spots before visiting to ensure the deal was being honored.

Verification of Sources: Information regarding these deals was compiled from various local and national news outlets. While these reports generally aligned, the most reliable method for verification would have been checking the official brand websites or social media pages (such as the Firehouse Subs Facebook page or Bruegger’s website) for specific terms and conditions.

Expiration and Limitations: Many offers were strictly time-bound, valid only on April 18, while others spanned a few days (e.g., April 17-20). Several deals, such as the Great American Cookies freebie, were available "while supplies last," implying that early arrival was beneficial.

Conclusion

Tax Day 2017 offered a diverse array of freebies and discounts designed to provide relief and value to consumers. From free shaved ice and cookies to discounted meals and travel packages, the promotions spanned multiple categories of consumer interest. The primary offers centered on the food and beverage industry, with significant participation from national chains like Chuck E. Cheese, Firehouse Subs, and Arby's. However, the decentralized nature of these promotions—often dependent on individual franchisee participation—necessitated that consumers verify offer details with local providers prior to attempting redemption.