Tax Day, the federal deadline for filing income tax returns, occurs annually on April 15. When this date falls on a weekend or a holiday observed in Washington, D.C., the deadline shifts to the next business day. For many Americans, this day represents the culmination of a stressful season of financial organization. To acknowledge this burden and attract customers, numerous retailers and restaurant chains have adopted the modern tradition of offering special promotions, discounts, and freebies.
These offers range from practical assistance, such as free document shredding services, to indulgent rewards like free food and discounted massages. The promotions often reference the tax filing process itself, utilizing form numbers like 1040 or specific tax-related amounts like $10.40 to create thematic marketing tie-ins. While the federal tax payment deadline remains firm, taxpayers who file for an extension receive an additional six months to submit their returns, though any taxes owed are still due on the original April deadline.
The following guide details the specific freebies and deals available on Tax Day, based on information from recent news reports and promotional announcements.
Tax Day Food and Restaurant Deals
The majority of Tax Day promotions focus on the food and beverage industry, with chains offering everything from free entrees to discounted combo meals. These deals are typically valid only on April 15 unless otherwise specified.
Burgers, Sandwiches, and Fast Food
Several major fast-food chains offer cent-based deals and free add-ons on Tax Day: * Burger King: Royal Perks members can purchase a cheeseburger for one cent with any purchase of $1 or more at participating U.S. locations. * Boston Market: Customers can purchase a Half Chicken Individual Meal and a drink for $10.40. * Hardee’s: From 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Tax Day, the chain offers free Sausage Biscuits. * BurgerFi: Through an offer available on the BurgerFi app, double cheeseburgers are priced at $4.15 on April 15. Adding premium toppings incurs an additional cost.
Pizza and Italian
Pizza chains frequently participate in Tax Day with percentage-based or flat-rate discounts: * Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Offers $10.40 off any order of $30 or more. This promotion requires the promo code TAXDAY25 and is valid only on April 15. It excludes locations in New York, New Jersey, Flagstaff, Arizona, and the Las Vegas Palazzo. * BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Offers $10 off a $40 purchase using the promo code 10OFF40. Additionally, they offer half off a large Deep Dish or Tavern-Cut Pizza, along with free delivery and no service fees from April 15 to May 5. * California Pizza Kitchen: While not explicitly detailed in the provided chunks, historical data suggests they often reference the 1040 form with $10 off $40 deals. * Pizza Hut: A specific offer was mentioned in the source data, though the details were truncated.
Bakeries and Sweets
Sweet treats are a staple of Tax Day freebies: * Krispy Kreme: Offers a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for just the cost of sales tax with the purchase of any dozen donuts. Customers ordering online can use the promo code TAXBREAK. * Bruegger’s Bagels: Sells a Big Bagel Bundle (13 bagels and two tubs of cream cheese) for $10.40. A coupon is required, which can be obtained via their website or rewards program. * Great American Cookies: Participating locations give away free Original Chocolate Chip Cookies on April 15. Limit is one per customer, and no purchase is necessary. * Paris Baguette: Rewards members receive a free pastry with the purchase of any beverage on the Monday leading up to Tax Day.
Mexican and Casual Dining
Other popular categories include Mexican food and general casual dining: * California Tortilla: Customers who say "taxes schmaxes" or "1040" to the cashier receive free chips and queso with any purchase. * Sonic Drive-In: Offers half-priced drinks and slushes all day on April 15. * Buffalo Wild Wings: Rewards members can get a free sandwich with a $15 purchase starting April 14. * 7-Eleven: Offers $10.40 off any order of $20 or more using the code WRITEOFF, valid only in the 7Now Delivery app on April 15. * Benihana: Serves signature cocktails for $10.40 on Tax Day.
Retail and Service Freebies
Beyond food, several retailers and service providers offer practical freebies to assist with the tax filing process or provide relaxation.
Office and Document Services
- Office Depot/OfficeMax: Offers free document shredding for up to 5 pounds of paper. This promotion is valid through April 29 and requires the presentation of a coupon, which is typically available on the store's website or via email sign-up.
Health and Wellness
- HydroMassage: Participating locations offer free massages through April 18. Customers usually need to access a coupon via the HydroMassage website or a partner deal site to redeem this offer.
Tax Filing Assistance
For those seeking help with the filing process itself, the IRS provides a government-sponsored program: * IRS Free File: This program allows taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $58,000 or less to file their federal tax returns for free through the IRS website. This is the most practical freebie for those still in the process of filing.
Promotional Giveaways and Contests
Some brands utilize Tax Day for broader engagement contests rather than immediate discounts: * Bob Evans: The brand hosts a Tax Day giveaway where 24 customers can win a comfort kit. The kit includes a robe, a heated coffee mug, and a year’s supply of Bob Evans products. Entry requires following the brand on Instagram or Facebook, liking the giveaway post, tagging a friend, and using the hashtag #Sweepstakes.
Important Considerations for Consumers
While Tax Day deals are widespread, consumers should be aware of specific conditions: * Participation: Most food deals are available only at participating locations. National chains often have franchisees who decide whether to participate. * App Requirements: Several deals, such as those from Burger King, BurgerFi, and 7-Eleven, require the use of a specific mobile app or membership program (e.g., Royal Perks). * Timing: Most food offers are valid only on April 15. However, exceptions exist, such as Office Depot’s shredding service (valid through April 29) and BJ’s Restaurant delivery fees (waived April 15 to May 5). * Geographic Restrictions: Certain chains, like Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, exclude specific states or cities from their national promotions.
Conclusion
Tax Day has evolved into a significant promotional event for the retail and restaurant industries, offering consumers a variety of freebies and discounts to offset the stress of tax filing. From free document shredding at Office Depot to cent burgers at Burger King and $10.40 discounted meals at Boston Market and Grimaldi’s, the offers are designed to be thematic and accessible. While many deals require specific actions—such as joining a rewards program, using a promo code, or making a purchase—there are options available for those seeking no-cost rewards. Consumers are advised to verify participation with local establishments and ensure they meet the specific eligibility requirements, such as app downloads or coupon presentation, to successfully redeem these offers.