Apr 10, 2026
Few people would list April 15 as one of their favorite days of the year. Even if you're expecting a refund, assembling all the paperwork required to file your taxes is a bit of a slog.
Throw in the chaos of recent government shutdowns, the panoply of changes to the tax code as part of the 2025 Budget Bill and ongoing geopolitical events, and this year is even more stressful than most. But there are ways to cut through that stress.
Here are a few to keep on your radar as you go about your day.
Free and discounted food for Tax Day 2026
Several retailers have turned Tax Day into an unofficial consumer holiday, with plenty of discounted and free food and services.
Kona Ice
If you missed this company's annual giveaway on the first day of Spring, you've got another chance now. Kona Ice is offering a free shaved ice (1) to everyone on Tax Day, as well.
Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme guests who purchase any dozen at regular price will receive a second Original Glazed dozen for free. This applies to in-shop, drive-thru, pick-up and delivery orders made through the app. (2)
Great American Cookies
Buy a slice of Great American Cookies' chocolate chip cookie cake (3), and you'll get a second one, as well, for no cost.
Checkers & Rally's
From April 14 to April 15, Checkers & Rally's is serving up their iconic Big Buford burger for just $3. Not a fan of that menu item? The fast-food chains also offer a Spicy Chicken Flatbread Combo for $5 or a Bacon Burger Flatbread Combo for $6 (both include a small order of fries and a small soft drink). Or you can get a $5 MVP meal with a sandwich, fries, a drink and an apple pie.
Portillo's
Portillo's Perks rewards members can get a slice of cake for just $1 with a purchase of $5 or more from April 13 through April 15.
Sonny's BBQ
At Sonny's BBQ, get a St. Louis rib dinner for just $10.99, which consists of sweet and smoky or house dry-rubbed ribs, BBQ beans, coleslaw, and garlic bread.
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Diners will be able to deduct $10 off their $40 purchases at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. The discount applies to both dine-in and take-out orders.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
Show this story (or a social media post, promotional email or anything that indicates you're aware of this promotion), and you can get three free "bonuts" (a biscuit-donut hybrid) on the house at Maple Street Biscuit Company.
QDOBA
QDOBA Rewards members can take advantage of the chain's "Tax Day Guac Relief" (4), which gets you a portion of house made guac for free. Also this year, rewards members can earn $5 off a future entrée by filling out a short survey about a time they've had to pay for guac elsewhere.
Olive Garden
While it's not exactly a break for Tax Day, Olive Garden is in the middle of its "Buy One, Take One" promotion, meaning you can take home a second order when you dine in the restaurant.
Burger King
April 15 is on a Wednesday this year. That's Burger King's Whopper Wednesday, meaning Royal Perks members can get a Whopper for just $3.99 or Impossible Whopper for $4.99.
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Other Tax Day 2026 Deals
Tax Day isn't just made a little bit sweeter with donuts, cookies, and delicious meals. Many retailers are offering customers respite from the piles of paperwork—and warranted or unwarranted worries of an IRS audit—too.
Straight Talk
Straight Talk customers can get a free Samsung Galaxy A76 5G (5) with the purchase of a Silver Unlimited Plan or higher. If you'd prefer, you can get a free Moto G Power or an iPhone 13 for $149.
Southwest Airlines
Earn 1,000 Rapid Rewards for Southwest Airlines when you file with TurboTax (6) by April 15.
Office Depot/Office Max
The office supply chains Office Depot and Office Max are offering free shredding up to five pounds of documents (like W2s, 1099s, and returns) through May 23 (7).
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Article Sources
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Kona Ice (1); Krispy Kreme (2); Fat Brands (3); Tax Day Guac Relief (4); Straight Talk (5); Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Shopping (6); Office Depot (7)
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Chris Morris is a veteran journalist with more than 35 years of experience, the majority of which were spent with some of the Internet’s biggest sites, including CNNMoney.com, where he was director of content development, and Yahoo! Finance, where he was managing editor. His work has also appeared on Fortune, Fast Company, Inc., CNBC.com, AARP, Nasdaq.com, and Voice of America, as well as dozens of other national publications.
