Taxes got you down? Check out these deadline day deals
Tax day is almost here, and for many of us it's not exactly a reason for celebration. But that isn't stopping companies across the country from trying to get some tax-related attention.
Did you just hand Uncle Sam a good chunk of your savings account? Maybe you need a discounted chicken dinner or a free hand massage to ease the pain. Sure, restaurants and hotels are seizing upon yet another occasion to market themselves, but it's also an easy way for them to put a positive spin on a day that makes plenty of people grumpy.
Chicken dinners
You may not want to see another 1040 form again, but Boston Market is offering two half-chicken individual meals for $10.40. Last year, the company had a "Big Rib-bate" deal featuring barbecued ribs.
Free meals
Hard Rock Cafe is offering a free entree to anyone who goes on stage at the chain's locations and sings an entire song. The promotion is designed to call attention to the chain's new menu. It wouldn't be out of line to sing "Taxman" from the Beatles or "I Paid My Income Tax Today" by Irving Berlin.
Schlotzsky's restaurants will give away a small "The Original" sandwich with the purchase of a 32 oz. drink and a bag of chips. Guests can upgrade to a medium sandwich for one dollar.
Hotel stays
The last place you might want to vacation on tax d ay is Washington D.C. But that isn't stopping the JW Marriott, Renaissance and Marriott hotels in the city from offering 25 percent off weekend rates.
Massages
All those tax forms put a cramp in your hand? A Radisson hotel in Philadelphia is offering free hand massages and $15 bottles of wine on April 15. Bring in a tax form showing that you owe money, and a Kimpton hotel in Portland, Ore., will give you a free chair massage along with champagne and chocolate.
Cocktails
A Seattle restaurant is offering an all-day happy hour featuring the Income Tax Cocktail -- a mix of gin and vermouth -- for $10.40. Not sure if that's exactly a discount, but hey, the name is fun. A Colorado hotel is giving free Red Rumrunner cocktails to anyone showing their W-2 forms.
Free shredding
You really should hold on to your tax forms for a while in case Mr. Auditor knocks, but Office Depot is still offering five pounds of free paper shredding to anyone with this coupon.
Cheap pizza
Papa Murphys is selling a large pepperoni pizza for $5 only on April 15.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly included a deal from Cinnabon. That promotion was only available April 15, 2013.