Whether you're a taxpayer due an income tax refund this year or a filer waiting for the very last second to send the government a check, there are some money-saving, free and entertaining Tax Day rewards available.
Because of Washington, D.C.'s observance of Emancipation Day, which falls on April 15 this year, the IRS is deferring to the legal holiday. That means taxes aren't due until April 18.
The extra filing days give taxpayers time to find a few more deductions and, for those getting what the IRS reports as the average $2,800 refund, more time to plan their splurges. And if you're in need of a thrifty reward or a full-blown vacation, everything from cookies to burgers and cheap hotel stays are on offer.
For taxpayers getting refunds, Priceline offers some suggestions for frugal but fun May vacation spots that cost less than this year's average tax refund.
Using New York as a starting point, the travel site found three-day packages including airfare and three-, four- and five-star hotel stays for under $1,000 in Miami Beach, Las Vegas and San Juan. A $2,000 refund can get New Yorkers package vacations to resorts in Waikiki or St. Thomas.
And, for taxpayers getting a refund check from Uncle Sam for $3,000, Priceline suggests a 10-day cruise to Alaska, or a flight and hotel package to London or Australia.
For the fourth year, Great American Cookies will be handing out free chocolate chip cookies (one per customer) on Tax Day, at participating locations across the country. "Whether or not you're receiving a refund this year, Great American Cookies is here to add some more dough to your life," David Kaiser, the company's brand vice president, said in a statement.
During the third annual Sing For Your Supper promotion taking place at participating Hard Rock Cafes around the country, on April 18 taxpayers can celebrate filing their forms with a song — and a free hamburger.
There's a catch: To get the free burger you'll have sing that song up on stage.
Meanwhile, Kona Ice will be giving away free tropical shaved ice in communities nationwide on Tax Day. The company's trucks will be parked at post offices, tax preparation centers and businesses nationwide, handing out free cups of shaved ice and complimentary Hawaiian leis. The message: "no taxation without relaxation this tax season."
To find out where the Kona Ice trucks will be park, tweet your zip code to the company's Twitter handle.
This year there's a much-deserved Tax Day freebie just for beleaguered certified public accountants, many of whom are cramming to get receipts in order for that filing.