Eateries hope freebies take some of sting out of tax day

  • Associated Press
  • Wednesday, April 14, 2010 6:45pm
  • Business

NEW YORK — Few truths are more universal: No one likes to pay taxes, and everyone loves to get things for free.

Restaurants and other retailers are offering freebies to reduce people’s angst over their income taxes — which must be postmarked or e-filed by Thursday.

From cupcakes and pancakes to dinners and coffee, the offers are meant to help people feel better as they help companies drum up business. No paperwork or proof is required for most of the offers.

Here are some of the freebies and discounts on offer for tax season 2010.

Free coffee and treats

Cinnabon. Get two free bite-sized cupcakes from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at participating mall locations. Flavors include Chocolate Passion, 24-Carrot Cake, Vanilla Bliss and Cinnacake Classic.

Maggiemoo’s. Get one free slice of ice cream pizza — ice cream with red frosting to look like sauce and white chocolate to look like cheese — at participating locations from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday.

Starbucks. Get free brewed coffee all day Thursday if you bring your own mug, a promotion the cafe chain says is friendly to the environment as well as taxpayers.

Taco Del Mar. Get a free taco.

Discounted meals

IHOP: The restaurant chain is offering free dinner for one child age 12 or younger with each adult meal purchased 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. all month long.

McCormick &Schmick’s. The seafood restaurant is offering $10.40 dinner and drink specials in the bar on Thursday.

P.F. Chang’s. Get 15 percent off food, excluding alcohol and happy hour food and beverages.

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