Tax Day in 2019 fell on Monday, April 15, marking the traditional deadline for filing federal income tax returns for the previous year. While the primary focus for many consumers was ensuring their paperwork was filed correctly and on time, the date also historically brings a variety of promotional offers from restaurants and retailers. These "Tax Day freebies" are designed to ease the stress of tax season, often featuring discounted meals, free items with purchase, or special pricing tied to tax-related themes.
For residents of Georgia, specific opportunities were available ranging from national chains to regional establishments. The following guide details the verified offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes applicable during the 2019 tax season. This information is derived from reports and announcements active during that period.
Understanding the Tax Day 2019 Landscape
Tax Day 2019 required consumers to gather necessary documentation, including Social Security numbers, driver’s licenses, and previous year’s tax returns, to complete their filings. While the deadline was set for April 15, many brands utilized the surrounding days to launch promotions.
It is important to distinguish the offers available in 2019 from those in subsequent years. For example, Source [2] notes that in 2020, the tax deadline was moved to July 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly altering the timing and availability of traditional Tax Day freebies. However, for the specific period of April 2019, the standard spring promotions were in effect.
Georgia-Specific Restaurant Offers
Several restaurants in Georgia and nationwide offered specific deals to commemorate Tax Day. These offers generally required specific actions, such as mentioning a code, presenting a coupon, or making a purchase.
California Tortilla
California Tortilla offered a distinct promotion valid on April 15, 2019. Customers visiting participating locations could receive free chips and queso. To redeem this offer, guests were required to say the code word “1040” when placing their order. The promotion was limited to one free small chips and queso per guest and required a purchase. It was valid for in-store orders only on the specific date and could not be combined with other offers or used for online or delivery orders.
Bruegger’s Bagels
Bruegger’s Bagels brought back an annual Tax Day deal featuring a "Big Bagel Bundle." This bundle, which included 13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese, was available for $10.40. This price represented a discount of approximately $3.50 off the standard price. To access this offer, guests needed to be members of the Bruegger’s Inner Circle or claim the offer through the Bruegger’s website (Brueggers.com).
Boston Market
Boston Market provided a specific meal special on April 15, 2019. Guests dining in at participating restaurants could purchase a Half Chicken Individual Meal for $10.40. Unlike some offers that required only a code, this deal required a coupon, which was available for download from the Boston Market website or promotional materials.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse celebrated the end of tax season with a half-price offer on large deep dish or tavern-cut pizzas on April 15. This offer was valid for dine-in, take-out, or delivery orders placed through the restaurant’s website. Additionally, the restaurant offered three weeks of free delivery and no service fees on delivery orders starting on Tax Day and ending on May 5.
Cachette 1907 at Le Pavillon Hotel
For those looking for a liquid remedy to tax stress, Cachette 1907 at Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans offered a signature "Income Tax" cocktail for $10.40 on April 15, 2019. While this specific location is in New Orleans, it represents the type of bar and restaurant promotions that often accompany the tax deadline.
7-Eleven
While 7-Eleven is known for its July 11th "Free Slurpee Day," reports from the time indicated that the chain offered a promotion on Tax Day 2019. Customers could order a $5 pizza through the 7NOW delivery service. It should be noted that Source [2] clarifies that in 2020, the traditional Free Slurpee Day was canceled due to the pandemic, though loyalty members could still get free Slurpees through July 31.
Acapulco Restaurant & Cantina
Acapulco, located in Southern California (and relevant as a national brand example), offered $3 margaritas. Additionally, signing up for the Acapulco eclub provided a free appetizer upon signup and a free entree on the user's birthday.
National Chain Offers and Regional Variations
Several other national chains offered deals that were likely available in Georgia locations, though specific participation can vary by franchise.
- Arby’s: An unverified report suggested free Value Curly Fries on Tax Day, with potential additional perks for members of the Arby’s VIP Extras Club.
- B.Good: This chain offered a free green or grain bowl or a burger through their app for users who downloaded it, valid through April 20. Existing app users could get free fries with any purchase.
- Bananas Smoothies & Frozen Yogurt: This chain (now Green Leaf’s Beyond Great Salad) offered a free small frozen yogurt on Tax Day, requiring customers to mention the offer when ordering.
- Farmer Boys: Source [4] mentions Farmer Boys in a list of Tax Day participants, though specific deal details were not fully expanded in the provided text.
- Divine Lounge: Located in Chicago, this venue offered 10% off the bill on Tax Day.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Most Tax Day freebies and deals in 2019 came with specific eligibility criteria. Understanding these rules was essential for consumers to successfully redeem offers.
- Date Restrictions: The vast majority of offers were strictly valid only on April 15, 2019. Some, like the B.Good app offer, extended into the following week, but the primary Tax Day push was concentrated on the deadline date.
- Purchase Requirements: Many offers required a purchase. For example, California Tortilla required the purchase of an item to get free chips and queso. Similarly, the Arby’s free fries offer (if verified) often requires a purchase or membership signup.
- Membership/App Requirements: Several deals were gated behind loyalty programs or mobile apps. 7-Eleven’s pizza deal was tied to the 7NOW delivery service, and Bruegger’s required Inner Circle membership or a website claim.
- Geographic Limitations: While national chains often participate nationwide, specific locations (franchises) may opt out. Acapulco was specifically noted as a Southern California chain, while B.Good had a more limited regional footprint in the Northeast and Texas.
- Verification Status: Source [5] explicitly marks certain offers with an asterisk (*) to indicate they had not yet been verified for that year. Consumers were advised to stay tuned or verify directly with the restaurant.
Comparison to 2020 Tax Season Changes
To provide context, the 2019 Tax Day operations differed significantly from the following year. Source [2] highlights that in 2020, the tax deadline was moved to July 15 due to COVID-19. This shift caused the cancellation or postponement of major annual events such as 7-Eleven’s Free Slurpee Day (July 11) and Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day. The 2019 data represents the last "normal" pre-pandemic Tax Day freebie season, where standard April promotions ran without the disruption of a moved deadline or event cancellations.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2019 offered Georgia residents and consumers nationwide a variety of stress-relieving deals, primarily focused on food and beverages. The key dates for these promotions centered around April 15, 2019, with specific requirements such as mentioning the code "1040" at California Tortilla or downloading the B.Good app. While offers from Bruegger’s Bagels, Boston Market, and BJ’s Brewhouse provided significant discounts, consumers were advised to check for coupons or membership requirements. The landscape of these freebies has since shifted due to external factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, making the 2019 offers a distinct snapshot of pre-pandemic promotional strategies.