Tax Day freebies and deals

Of all the days of the year, Tax Day is probably the one in which you could most use a break. And while taxes generally are not that fun, there is some good news amid the tax return blues.

Some nationwide chains are offering Tax Day “freebies,” deals and discounts to take the sting out of preparing those returns.

Below is an explanation of why tax day is April 17 this year, and a list of freebies and deals for the day and beyond.

When is tax day 2018?

April 15 is Tax Day most years, but since April 15 was on Sunday and Monday is Emancipation Day in Washington D.C. so federal employees are off, Tax Day falls on Tuesday.

Emancipation Day marks the day the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The act signaled the end of slavery in the city of Washington.

Tax Day means it’s the last day to file your 2017 taxes unless you file for an extension.

What kind of freebies and deals are available for Tax Day?

Here’s a list of freebies and deals available Tuesday. 

Note: Some of the deals below will not be offered at every location, not every franchise honors the deals. Call ahead to your local restaurant to make sure they are honoring the offer.

Applebee’s: It’s “Dollarita” time at Applebee’s. Get $1 margaritas through April 30.

Chili’s: Get a $5 Cuervo Blue Margarita at participating locations on Tuesday.

Chuck E. Cheese’s: Buy a large cheese pizza Tuesday through Thursday, get one large cheese pizza free.

Cicis: With a coupon get an adult buffet for $4.17 Tuesday.

Corner Bakery Café: Tuesday through Thursday you can mix and match two breakfast, lunch or dinner items for $10.40 at participating locations.

Great American Cookies: Get a free Cookies & Cream Cookie Tuesday at participating locations. No purchase is necessary.

Firehouse Subs: Use this coupon for a free medium sub with purchase of a full-price medium or large sub, chips and a drink Tuesday through Thursday.

Hardee’s: Get a free sausage biscuits from 7 to 10 a.m. Tuesday at participating locations. Say “made from scratch,” when ordering.

Hooters: Through Tuesday, kids 12 and younger get a free kids meal with an adult purchase of $10 or more.

Kona Ice: It’s Kona Ice’s “Chill Out” Day. Look for the Kona truck during certain hours on Tuesday to get a free cup of tropical shaved ice. Click here to find participating locations and hours.

McDonald’s is offering special Tax Day deals at participating restaurants in select locations.

Office Depot: Get up to five pounds of documents shredded free through April 28 at Office Max and Office Depot. Use this coupon.

P.F. Chang’s: Get 15 percent off takeout orders Monday and Tuesday. Use the promo code TAXDAY for online orders and phone orders.

Quiznos: New and existing Toasty Points loyalty members get 10.40 percent off any purchase Tuesday.

Sonic Drive-In: Get up to five half-price cheeseburgers Tuesday at participating locations.

Staples: Get a pound of documents shredded for free at Staples through April 21. Use this coupon.