Tax Day, traditionally falling on April 15, marks an annual deadline for U.S. taxpayers to file their returns. For many consumers, this date also signals the availability of exclusive freebies and discounts offered by restaurants and retailers. These promotions are designed to reward individuals receiving tax refunds or to provide a small financial respite for those facing tax payments. Based on recent reports, Tax Day 2025 will occur on Tuesday, April 15, and numerous brands have announced specific deals available on or around this date. This article outlines the verified offers, eligibility requirements, and redemption processes for consumers seeking to maximize value during the tax season.
The tradition of Tax Day freebies has evolved into a significant marketing event, with brands leveraging the date to attract customers through immediate rewards. Offers typically range from free food items to discounted purchases, often requiring specific actions such as downloading an app, joining a rewards program, or presenting a coupon. While many deals are available to the general public, some are restricted to loyalty members or require a minimum purchase. Consumers should note that participating locations may vary, and supplies for free items are often limited. The following sections detail the specific offers reported for the 2025 tax season, categorized by brand and redemption method.
Verified Restaurant Deals for Tax Day 2025
Several national restaurant chains have confirmed Tax Day promotions for 2025. These deals generally require in-store, online, or app-based redemption and often have specific timeframes or purchase requirements.
Arby’s
Arby’s is offering a promotion that allows customers to receive free curly fries or potato cakes with a coupon. This offer is valid on April 15. Additionally, Arby’s is hosting a sweepstakes where participants can enter for a chance to win one of ten $500 "tax relief payouts."
Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins provides a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deal on ice cream cones. Customers can purchase one ice cream cone and get a second for 99 cents. This promotion requires a coupon and is valid through April 16.
Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill features a discounted menu item on Tax Day. Customers can purchase $5 Bang Bang Shrimp starting at 4:00 p.m. and lasting until closing on Monday, April 15.
Boston Market
Boston Market offers a "Rib-Bate" special on Tax Day. Customers can purchase two St. Louis-style rib meals for $10.40. The brand is also running a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of 1,040 free rib dinners and distributing $1-off coupons.
Brio Tuscan Grille
At Brio Tuscan Grille, diners can mention "Tax-Free Tax Day" to their server on April 15 to have the tax deducted from their bill.
Chili’s
Chili’s provides a coupon-based offer valid through April 18. With the purchase of an adult entrée, customers can receive a free appetizer or dessert.
Cinnabon
Cinnabon offers free Cinnabon Bites on Tax Day from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This offer is available at participating stores while supplies last.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s has a specific deal for South Florida restaurants on April 15. Customers can buy one Big Mac and get a second for one penny.
Papa John’s
Papa John’s offers an online-only deal on Tax Day. Using the coupon code TAXSPC, customers can order a large three-topping pizza and two liters of Pepsi for $10.40.
RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
For customers in Florida, the Palm Beach Gardens and Pembroke Pines locations of RA Sushi Bar Restaurant are extending happy hour from 3:00 p.m. on Tax Day.
Retail and App-Based Offers
In addition to restaurant chains, several retailers and service providers offer Tax Day promotions, often tied to app usage or rewards programs.
7-Eleven
7-Eleven customers with the 7Rewards app can participate in the "Make My Day" sweepstakes for a chance to win $5,000. Additionally, the app offers $10.40 off a $20 order for Tax Day.
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse offers $10 off any $40 order for takeout or delivery on April 15.
Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings provides a free sandwich with any order of $15 or more. This deal is available online, in-app, or in-store but requires the customer to be a rewards member.
Burger King
Burger King Royal Perks members can get a cheeseburger for $0.01 with any $1 or more purchase via the app or website.
California Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) offers $10 off any $40 order from April 14 through April 17 for dine-in and take-out orders. Redemption requires signing up for CPK Rewards.
Great American Cookie
Great American Cookie offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on cookie cake slices on April 15.
Hooters
Hooters offers select appetizers for $4.15 each, including chips with queso, buffalo shrimp, mozzarella sticks, and fried pickles. This offer is valid when ordering through the app at participating locations.
Kona Ice
Kona Ice trucks will be present in many locations on April 15, offering customers a free ice.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme offers a promotion where customers purchase an assorted or Original Glazed dozen at full price and receive a second dozen for the price of their state’s sales tax on an Original Glazed dozen.
Tax Preparation Freebies and Services
Beyond consumer retail, the tax filing process itself offers opportunities for free services and software, particularly for those with lower incomes or simple tax returns. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and private companies provide various options to reduce or eliminate the cost of tax preparation.
IRS Volunteer Programs
Taxpayers who generally made $67,000 or less in the previous year may qualify for free tax preparation services through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. These services are offered by nonprofits such as the Accounting Aid Society, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. All volunteers must pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards, and the programs have no hidden fees.
IRS Free File and Fillable Forms
The IRS maintains an online filing program called Free File, which offers free, guided tax return preparation for taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less. Taxpayers earning more than $73,000 can use Free File fillable forms, which are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. These forms do not provide step-by-step software guidance but allow users to prepare and e-file their returns at no cost without income limits.
Private Company Promotions
Several tax software companies offer free editions for simple returns. H&R Block’s Online Free Edition is suitable for approximately 55% of filers, though it excludes those claiming itemized deductions, reporting self-employment income, or making Health Savings Account contributions or distributions. TurboTax offers a "TurboTax Free Edition" online, which is applicable to 37% of filers with simple returns.
Regulatory Context and Warnings
Consumers should be aware of the regulatory landscape regarding tax preparation services. The IRS lacks authority to regulate paid tax return preparers who are not credentialed as attorneys, enrolled agents, or certified public accountants. This has led to ongoing debates about oversight and minimum competency requirements. For example, a lawsuit filed by the D.C. attorney general against Liberty Tax alleged that its "Cash in a Flash" incentive, which offered $50 for early filing, was misleading and resulted in customers paying more for preparation services than nonparticipants. This case highlights the importance of understanding the terms and potential costs associated with tax preparation incentives.
Additionally, rumors regarding the IRS Direct File program have circulated, but as of early 2025, the program remains operational in 25 states, excluding Michigan. Taxpayers are advised to verify the status of such programs directly through official IRS channels.
Conclusion
Tax Day 2025 offers a variety of freebies and discounts across restaurants and retail sectors, providing consumers with opportunities to save money or enjoy complimentary items. The most reliable offers require specific actions such as joining rewards programs, using apps, or presenting coupons. For those seeking to reduce tax preparation costs, the IRS provides free filing options and volunteer programs for eligible individuals, while private companies offer limited free software editions. Consumers should always verify deal terms, including participation dates and location restrictions, to ensure successful redemption.