Tax Day 2017, falling on April 18, marked a significant deadline for U.S. taxpayers. While the day is primarily associated with the obligation to file federal income tax returns, it has also become an unofficial occasion for businesses to offer promotions, discounts, and freebies to consumers. These offers are designed to provide a small measure of relief or celebration following the tax filing process. The promotions available on this specific Tax Day were concentrated primarily in the food and beverage sector, with various national and regional restaurant chains announcing special deals. The availability of these offers often depended on specific conditions, such as making a purchase, visiting participating locations, or using a coupon. This article provides a detailed overview of the freebies and deals available on Tax Day 2017, based on contemporary reports.
Restaurant and Food Service Promotions
The majority of the promotions reported for Tax Day 2017 originated from restaurant chains. These deals ranged from free food items to discounted meal bundles. It is important to note that many of these offers were subject to participation by individual franchise locations, and consumers were advised to confirm availability with their local establishments before visiting.
Bagel and Sandwich Shops
Several bagel and sandwich chains offered significant deals, some of which extended beyond a single day.
Bruegger's Bagels: For the seventh consecutive year, Bruegger's Bagels offered its "Big Bagel Bundle," which includes a baker's dozen of bagels and two tubs of cream cheese, for $10.40. This price represented a discount of approximately $3.50 from the regular price. The promotion was valid from April 12 through April 19, 2017. A coupon, available on the Bruegger's Bagels website, was required to redeem the offer. The promotion was not valid at all locations, specifically excluding the Old Raleigh, Raleigh-Durham Airport, and Wakefield Commons locations.
Firehouse Subs: Firehouse Subs provided a free medium sub sandwich under a specific purchase condition. Customers could receive a free medium sub by purchasing a medium or large sub, along with chips and a drink. This offer required a printable coupon, which was available on the restaurant's Facebook page or sent via email to newsletter subscribers. The promotion was valid from April 18 through April 20, 2017.
California Tortilla: This chain offered a promotion where customers could receive free chips and queso with any purchase. To redeem this offer, customers were required to state the password "tax crunch."
Pizza and Cookie Establishments
Pizza chains and cookie shops also participated in Tax Day promotions, offering both free items and discounted bundles.
Chuck E. Cheese: The family entertainment and pizza chain offered a free large cheese pizza with the purchase of another large pizza. This deal was valid from April 18 through April 20, 2017.
Hungry Howie's: Hungry Howie's promoted a "15-cent pizza" deal. Customers could purchase a large one-topping pizza at regular price and receive a medium one-topping pizza for 15 cents. This offer required the use of the promo code "TAXTIME" when ordering online and was valid from April 17 through April 19, 2017.
Great American Cookies: Continuing an annual tradition, Great American Cookies offered a free Birthday Cake Cookie to customers at participating locations on April 18, 2017. The offer was limited to one cookie per customer while supplies lasted and did not require a purchase or proof of completed taxes.
Full-Service Restaurants and Casual Dining
Full-service and casual dining restaurants offered deals on meals and beverages.
Boston Market: Boston Market featured a $10.40 Tax Day Meal Special. This deal 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 on April 18, 2017.
Chili's: Chili's offered a special on margaritas, with $6 blueberry and pineapple margaritas available at participating locations all day on Tax Day. No coupon was required for this offer.
Hooters: Hooters offered a "kids eat free" promotion. Children aged 12 and under could receive a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree of $10 or more. This deal was dine-in only and valid at participating locations on April 17 and 18, 2017.
Longhorn Steakhouse: Customers who signed up for the Longhorn Steakhouse email list received a coupon for 10% off two adult dinner entrees on Tax Day.
McDonald's: Local McDonald's stores offered a variety of specials that varied by location. Some offers included 18-cent Quarter Pounders or Big Macs with the purchase of a full-price item, or free drinks.
Specialty and Quick-Service Options
Other types of food service providers also participated in the Tax Day event.
Arby's: Arby's offered free curly fries on April 18, 2017, with no purchase required. This offer was valid only at participating locations.
Kona Ice: Kona Ice designated Tax Day as its National "Chill Out" Day. The company offered free shaved ice at its locations across the nation on April 18, 2017. One report noted a specific Kona Ice truck event in Fort Collins, Colorado, where free shaved ice and Hawaiian leis were distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at an H&R Block location.
Hot Dog on a Stick: At participating locations, Hot Dog on a Stick offered one free Original Turkey Dog on a Stick on April 18, 2017.
Non-Food Related and Travel Promotions
While the majority of Tax Day 2017 deals were food-related, some sources also reported promotions in other sectors, including travel.
Travel and Hospitality
A few travel and hospitality companies offered promotions tied to the tax deadline.
Best Western: Through the month of April 2017, Best Western rewards members received a $10 gift card with every stay.
Hampton by Hilton: AAA members could take 15 percent off the best available rates using the coupon code "AAA" through April 17, 2017.
JetBlue: JetBlue ran a promotion where consumers could enter for a chance to win one of 1,000 free one-way flights. The contest was open to individuals who owed money to the IRS. Entries could be submitted at JetBlueTaxReturnFlight.com through April 25, 2017.
Medieval Times: A coupon code "SBEB17" allowed adults to purchase tickets for $37.95 and children for $29.95 through the end of April 2017.
Wilderness at the Smokies: This resort offered savings of up to 20 percent on select stays through the end of May 2017 with the coupon code "SB17."
Other Retail and Service Offers
Bob Evans: Bob Evans offered 30 percent off orders on Tax Day with a coupon.
Einstein Bros. Bagels: Customers could receive a $1 off coupon for Tax Day by checking their email or signing up for future offers.
Important Considerations for Consumers
When seeking to take advantage of Tax Day promotions, consumers should be aware of several key factors.
Participating Locations: Many of the offers, particularly those from large franchise chains, are not universally available. Individual franchise owners often have the discretion to participate or not. Consumers were strongly encouraged to contact their local restaurant or check the company's official website or social media pages to confirm participation before traveling.
Coupon and Purchase Requirements: Some freebies required the purchase of another item (e.g., Firehouse Subs, Chuck E. Cheese), while others required a specific coupon or promo code (e.g., Hungry Howie's, Bruegger's Bagels). A few offers, such as the Arby's fries or the Great American Cookies cookie, required no purchase or coupon.
Expiration and Time Limits: Most deals were valid only on Tax Day itself (April 18, 2017), though some, like the offers from Bruegger's, Firehouse Subs, and Chuck E. Cheese, extended for a few days. Consumers needed to be mindful of the specific validity dates for each promotion.
Supplies and Capacity: Free offers, especially those with no purchase requirement, were often available "while supplies last" and could be subject to limited quantities or long lines.
Proof of Tax Filing: Contrary to some popular belief, most Tax Day 2017 deals did not require consumers to show proof of having filed their taxes. The Great American Cookies promotion explicitly stated that no proof of completed taxes was necessary. The JetBlue flight contest was a notable exception, as it was specifically targeted at individuals who owed taxes.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2017 offered a variety of promotional deals from restaurants and other businesses across the United States. The most prominent offers were concentrated in the food and beverage industry, with major chains providing free items, discounted meal bundles, and special drink prices. While these promotions provided an opportunity for consumers to save money, they were subject to conditions such as participation by specific locations, purchase requirements, and coupon usage. The information presented here is based on reports from April 2017, and the specific deals, participation rules, and contact information mentioned are historical and should not be used to find current offers.