Tax Day Freebies, Promotions, Deals and Specials

Kelly Phillips Erb for Forbes writes:  Tax Day is just around the corner. Nobody likes writing a big check to Uncle Sam but there is some good news: Tax Day also means free stuff, promotions, deals and specials. After you pop your return (or your extension) in the mail, kick back and take advantage of some of the promos and specials. More and more will be popping up so check back today and tomorrow (especially closer to lunch and again at happy hour). I’ll highlight the updated entries for you to make it quick. Here’s what’s on tap so far:

Hotels, Entertainment & Restaurants
 

Arby’s. Arby’s is planning to offer a free Snack-Sized Curly Fry on April 15 at all Arby’s locations nationwide. Guests can visit Arbys.com or Arby’s social channels to print a coupon.

Boston Market. Boston Market, the fast casual restaurant chain is offering a “Tax Day Deal Chicken Meal” on April 15, when all guests can receive two half chicken individual meals for just $10.40. The “Tax Day Deal Chicken Meal” offers guests two individual meals, each including a half rotisserie chicken with a choice of two home style sides and freshly baked cornbread. George Michel (a.k.a. “The Big Chicken”), CEO of Boston Market said about the deal (downloads as a pdf), “While no one enjoys 1040 forms, our 2 for $10.40 deal provides delicious meals at an affordable price, and that’s something our guests can feel good about this Tax Day.” No coupon is needed to enjoy the offer, which is available at all Boston Market locations on April 15, 2014.

Burritt Room at the Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer (San Francisco). From April 1 – 15, the Burritt Room at the Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer is offering a special cocktail called the Tax Man (Gin, Thyme Liqueur, Aperol, Strawberry, Lemon, Seltzer) for $12.

California Tortilla. Declaring that “Queso Makes Life Less Taxing,” California Tortilla is offering free chips and queso with any purchase on April 15, 2014, while supplies last. No coupon is needed: just say “Taxes, Schmaxes” to the cashier to claim your deal.

Esquared Hospitality. For Tax Day (Tuesday, April 15th), global restaurant group ESquared Hospitality will be offering 50% off all alcoholic beverages. Enjoy specialty cocktails, beer, wines by the glass or bottle, and spiked shakes (available at GO Burger Bar & Grill only) at half the price. This promotion includes the following: New York City (BLT Steak New York, BLT Prime, BLT Fish, BLT Fish Shack, BLT Bar & Grill, Casa Nonna, GO Burger Bar & Grill and Juni); White Plains, NY (BLT Steak White Plains); Hawaii (BLT Steak Waikiki); Atlanta (BLT Steak Atlanta); Charlotte (BLT Steak Charlotte); Chicago (The Florentine); Miami (BLT Steak Miami) and Washington, D.C. (BLT Steak DC).

Gerber Group venues. Gerber Group venues Whiskey Park, Whiskey Blue, Living Room, Stone Rose Lounge and The LCL: Bar & Kitchen will offer a specialty Jalapeño Margarita for $8.88, an ode to New York’s sales tax percentage ($8.8875%).

Great American Cookies. Great American Cookies says that, “Refund or not, you deserve a cookie on #TaxDay.” Stop by participating locations at Great American Cookies on April 15 for a free chocolate chip cookie!

Hard Rock Cafe. This year, on Tax Day, Hard Rock Cafe is cutting Americans a break across the country by asking them to lay down their wallets and pick up the mic! Warm up those vocal cords as Hard Rock Cafe opens up its stages to give fans a chance to “Sing for Their Supper” on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. On Tax Day, guests will have the opportunity to select their favorite song and take the stage to perform at their local Hard Rock Cafe. Guests who perform a complete song on their Hard Rock Cafe’s live music stage in front of the entire restaurant will receive a free dinner entrée from Hard Rock’s new menu. Singers can choose from a selection of new menu items and classic Hard Rock favorites, including the Grilled Vegetable Sandwich, Arugula Salad with Shaved Marinated Chicken, Legendary Big Cheese Burger or Veggie Burger as their free meal.

NEW -> Historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa (Riverside, CA). Tax Return & Relax. Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax.” The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa understands your need to spend a day or two relaxing after filing taxes.  They invite you to spend some ‘relaxation time’ with them this April: you may not be able to deduct it, but you’ve certainly earned it! The Tax Free Package includes: overnight Deluxe accommodations; Casey’s Cupcakes for two; $25 resort gift card to spend at any of the Inn’s award-winning restaurants, lounges or Kelly’s Spa and Boutique; and complimentary valet parking. Starting at $169*, available 4/1/14 – 4/30/14.

Hotel Monaco Chicago (Chicago, IL). Relax with No Tax. Imbibe, Relax and Save (IRS)! Put your tax return to good use with a tax break package at the hotel including: IMBIBE: $25 beverage credit at South Water Kitchen; RELAX: $50 in-room spa credit during your stay; SAVE: No occupancy or lodging taxes on your room rate. Book online or call 866-610-0081 and mention rate code NOTAX. Valid for stays April 1-30, 2014. Rates are subject to availability, blackout dates may apply.

Hotel Monaco Portland (Portland, OR). On April 15, the hotel will offer complimentary chair massage during wine hour to soothe those ‘taxed’ nerves. There will also be champagne on hand for anyone who wants to toast their refund or chocolate for those who need to forget their financial sorrows/losses. Guests must show the front desk that they owe money to Uncle Sam (a tax return or other official document) to receive a free cocktail at the adjacent Red Star Tavern. The restaurant will also offer up a selection of specialty cocktails for just $4.15.

Hotel Palomar Dallas (Dallas, TX). Gimme a Break – Tax Season Special: 10% off best available rate at the hotel; $40 food and beverage credit. Available now through May 3, 2014. Use rate code GMAB.

Hotel Palomar Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA). With so many accounting professionals diligently dedicating their waking hours to preparing and filing taxes up until the 11th hour, Kimpton’s Hotel Palomar Philadelphia celebrates these hard-working professionals with a new special tax relief happy hour package. For $35 per tax payer, there will be butler passed hors d’oeuvres, imported and domestic cheeses, oven-roasted vegetables and a two-hour open bar catered by Square 1682 (available from April 15-30, 2014).

Kona Ice. To ease the pain of tax filing, Kona Ice is serving up a frozen cup of tax day relief for tense taxpayers in all areas of the country. On April 16th, the day after Tax Day, the brand will have trucks parked at community parks in all corners of the country to hand out FREE cups of fluffy snow and complimentary Hawaiian lei’s to all who stop by. The refreshing treat will ensure that there is no taxation without relaxation this tax season and represent the “Chill” Kona Ice is spreading.

Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage (San Diego, CA). Martinis Above Fourth Table + Stage will present a show on April 15 called Three Divas – A Lover, A Lot and A Librarian featuring three of San Diego’s favorite performers. You can get a 15% discount on tickets by using the code TAXDAY15. They say: taxes shmaxes! Come out and have some fun! Purchase tickets online @ http://tinyurl.com/q2sqcge.

NEW -> Maya Del Sol. Maya Del Sol is once again offering customers a chance to ‘Pay What Is Fair’ for dinner on tax filing day for the 6th year in a row. From 4pm to 9pm on Tuesday, April 15th, customers at the popular Latin Fusion restaurant will have the opportunity to decide what to pay for their meal. When seated for dinner, customers are given a menu without any prices. Once their meal is complete, guests write in the price they think is fair for their meal, which is what they will be charged. The ‘Pay What Is Fair’ offer will apply to the food menu only; beverages, tax and gratuity will be excluded. The ‘Pay What Is Fair’ promotion is available only on Tuesday, April 15th, 2014. Reservations are strongly recommended and should be made by calling 708.358.9800. For more details about the promotion, call Paul Abu-Taleb at 708-228-2657 (cell) or 708-358-9800 (restaurant).
Newport Beachside Hotel & Resort (Sunny Isles Beach, FL). No Taxation without Relaxation. The hotel is offering a series of hotel and spa promotions to take the edge off of Tax Day. Enjoy a 7% deduction on hotel stays booked between April 1st and April 30th or cash in on a selection of 1040EZ specials at the Aveda Seven Seas Spa & Salon including a polish change, eyebrow wax or hair consultation and trim available for $10.40 each. For reservations, call 305.949.1300 or toll-free at 800.327.5476.

The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn (Pawleys Island, SC). The Oceanfront Litchfield Inn is offering a 1040 EZ Package. Enjoy $10.40 off per night. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Limited number available.

Orange Leaf Yogurt. To help ease the pain of Tax Day (4/15), all of the more than 300 Orange Leaf locations across the country will be offering customers a great deal: fill your cup for $4.15. On average, this amounts to approximately 50% off, depending on how much froyo and toppings the customer chooses. Claim the offer by visiting the Orange Leaf Facebook page and downloading a coupon.

NEW -> Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. In honor of Tax Day (April 15), tax-filing travelers have reason to celebrate as Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is offering special incentives throughout the recently renovated resort.  Travelers looking to unwind after filing their returns can receive a complimentary Red Rumrunner cocktail at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill when they show their W2. As an added perk since April is also National Stress Awareness Month, Allegria Spa is offering a 20% discount on any massage, body treatment or facial treatments for those who show their W2 at the award-winning spa. The Allegria Spa offer is valid through April 20th.

Salvatore’s Restaurants (Greater Boston). On Tax Day, Tuesday, April 15th, 2014, Salvatore’s Restaurant, the upscale casual Italian eatery with five locations in the Greater Boston area, celebrates the unveiling of its new spring menu with tax-free dining. Offering a special break on Tax Day, Salvatore’s invites diners to sample the menu while enjoying a tax-free dining experience. The special tax break is only available on Tax Day and applies to food purchases only.

Schlotzsky’s. All Schlotzsky’s locations are offering one free small “The Original” sandwich with the purchase of chips and a 32 oz. drink on Tax Day, April 15 (no coupon required).

NEW -> Sonny’s BBQ Ribs. Sonny’s BBQ is offering an Irresistible Ribs Special (IRS). All day, April 15th every Sonny’s BBQ location will be offering half off on Sweet & Smokey or House Dry-Rubbed Ribs lunch or dinner plate. “Doing your taxes is a lot like making ribs,” says Dominic Losacco, Vice President of Marketing for Sonny’s BBQ, “It’s a long slow process, but the outcome can be fantastic, if you know what you’re doing.” Sonny’s BBQ is located in: AL, GA, FL, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC & TN. Dine in only and no coupon needed.

Springmaid Beach Resort (Myrtle Beach, SC). Springmaid Beach Resort is offering a 1040 Taxation Vacation Package. The package includes deluxe accommodations with a $10.40 deduction per night off the room rate and breakfast for two for only $10.40 per night. Offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Limited number available.

Surfside Beach Resort (Myrtle Beach, SC). Surfside Beach Resort is offering a Tax Day $99 Package. Studies show the top 1 percent of Americans took a record share of U.S income last year. In honor of the other 99% hard-working Americans, Surfside Beach Resort is offering two night stays for $99. Stay Sunday-Thursday from 3/30/14-5/1/14 in one of our Deluxe Two Queen Ocean View Balcony Rooms. This offer includes 2 night accommodations; deluxe room with a private balcony; complimentary Wi-Fi and Parking; access to our outdoor pool and hot tub; and complimentary coffee service in the lobby. This offer cannot be combined with other offers or promotions, not valid for groups, limited number of rooms available. For more information please call 800-533-7599.

NEW -> Westin New York Grand Central hotel. The Tax Is On Us Deal: The Westin New York Grand Central hotel is throwing in the tax for free, by offering a 15% reduction in rates through December 31, 2014, when booked now through May 15, 2014. (Lodging taxes in NYC are approximately 15%.) Use the rate plan TAXBRK when booking online at www.WestinNewYorkGrandCentral.com.

Shopping & Electronics

MVPee.com. MVPee.com is giving out 1,000 “Abolish the IRS” apple scented urinal screens FREE to the first 1,000 people that request (+ $3.00 shipping/handling). MVPee.com is the only urinal screen company in the world to provide fresh urinal screens for bars, restaurants, convenience and nightclubs on a monthly basis.

White Aspen Boutique (CA). White Aspen Boutique is offering customers 15% off for tax day. Use the coupon here (the coupon code is W-2).

Tax Software & Professionals

Efile.com. Efile.com is an online tax company and an IRS-authorized Electronic Return Originator (ERO). Currently they’re offering an “expecial promo”: efile an extension for $9.95 and and get 50% off your tax return (expires October 15, 2014). You can find more info about the offer here: http://www.efile.com/tax-extension/irs-tax-extension/.

TaxConnections. With thousands of tax advisors offering a world of tax expertise, TaxConnections invites consumers and tax professionals to TaxConnections Worldwide Directory of Tax Professionals. Consumers can take advantage of a Free Membership to access www.taxconnections.com while tax professionals can get a 45 Day Free Trial Tax Professional Membership which includes a full page native ad on their tax services (to join as an Annual Gold Member and send a message using the “Contact Us Today” button at the bottom of every page on TaxConnections and simply say, “Kelly sent me to TaxConnections!”).

Home & Business Services

MasterLock. Master Lock Vault, a free safe and secure online storage and organization system is offering tax tips and the chance to win one of five $1,000 prizes when customers register for a Vault account as part of the Master Lock “Tax Relief Rewards” Sweepstakes.

MyCorporation. MyCorporation is running an “Incorporate or Form an LLC for FREE on Tax Day” promotion. On a day when business owners and entrepreneurs are having to send in tax payments, this is a great way to offer business owners some ‘relief’ from our document processing fees. The promo is good for all 50 states – any state a business owner wants to incorporate in, the fees will be waived.

Philadelphia Business Journal. It’s As Good As A Refund! This is PBJ’s version of tax relief: subscribe now and save 25% off the regular subscription price. You’ll receive the Weekly Edition in print and digital formats, and the Apple Newsstand app – at no charge! Offer expires April 15th at midnight.

South Coast Air Quality Management District (SoCal). The annual program to improve air quality by exchanging polluting gas-powered mowers for high-performance electric mowers, registration opens the day after Tax Day on April 16. SoCal residents who exchange a gas mower can get up to 75% off the price of an electric brand-name mower. It’s perfect timing for people who are getting back their tax refunds.

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Please note that these specials are based on information passed along from companies and their representatives, as well as social media. While I’ve made every effort to make sure that they’re accurate, I haven’t been by each location so I can’t vouch for all of them. Remember, too, that many of these companies are franchises and may have different promotions or may not participate at all. If you’re concerned, give a quick call – or tweet – before you show up.

Some companies require a coupon or a “like” on Facebook and I’ve tried to link to those which do. If you are not sure, then err on the side of checking out websites (I’ve included links, where possible) first.

You can follow the author Kelly Phillips Erb on Twitter Here.