5 Tax Day Freebies and Deals

Cheapism.com

By Jeremy Bender, Cheapism.com

Although there is always a glimmer of hope about receiving a refund, the prospect of owing additional state or federal taxes come April 15 is enough to put anyone in a funk. Luckily, Tax Day has a bright side: Several national chains view it like any other holiday, meaning freebies and deals galore if you know where to look.

Related: Best free & cheap tax preparation software

Here are the five of our favorite Tax Day specials:

Free massage. What could possibly be a better way to cope with tax-filing stress than receiving a free massage? HydroMassage is offering a free hydroponic rubdown from April 14 to April 18 at many locations. Unfortunately, not all franchises are participating, so call ahead to confirm. The chain expects strong demand and suggests scheduling in advance. Be sure to print out the coupon from the HydroMassage website to qualify for this Tax Day freebie.

Frozen yogurt deal. While not exactly a Tax Day freebie, Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt's deal revolves around an upcoming coupon on its Facebook page entitling customers to a full cup of yogurt and toppings for $4.15. This discount is backed by the corporate office, so every franchise throughout the country will honor it. It's hard to determine how much the offer will actually save hungry taxpayers, but Orange Leaf estimates the coupon is worth the equivalent of about 50 percent off a cup filled to the top with frozen yogurt and heavily dressed with toppings. (Check-out price normally goes by weight.)

Related: Declutter your bills to save money

Buy-one-get-one chicken dinner. In a pun on the 1040 IRS tax form, Boston Market is offering a $10.40 meal deal in honor of Tax Day. The 1040 Tax Day special includes two individual meals, each of which come with half of a rotisserie chicken, a choice of two sides, and cornbread; no coupon required. The special was announced on Boston Market's Facebook page, signaling it will be available nationwide at all locations.

No-cost cookies. Great American Cookies is offering a free chocolate chip cookie to every customer on Tax Day as long as supplies last; no coupon required for this Tax Day freebie, either. Customers will be limited to one cookie only, but combined with the Boston Market deal, this is a fitting way to enjoy a free two-course meal courtesy of Tax Day.

Related: 10 things you can write-off if self-employed

Gratis document shredding. Through April 29, Office Depot is inviting customers to shred up to five pounds of almost anything at no cost with this coupon. The deal might not be as tempting as a free massage or free food, but nothing builds up excess paper documents like Tax Day. In the interest of protecting your personal information, privacy experts always recommend shredding any and all documents with identifying information (e.g., Social Security number, bank account and/or credit card numbers, etc.) rather than recycling them. Of course, the five pounds of shredding can include any papers that have accumulated during the year, letting this Tax Day freebie jump start your spring cleaning.

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