Tax Day deals and freebies are almost non-existent after tax deadline moved to July due to COVID-19
UPDATED: See the full Tax Day roundup here.
The coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, has led major companies to cancel or postpone popular freebie and deal days.
7-Eleven's Free Slurpee Day held annually on July 11, aka 7/11, has been canceled but members of the convenience store chain's loyalty program can still get a free Slurpee drink in July.
Chick-fil-A's annual Cow Appreciation Day, where consumers get free food for dressing up like a cow for a day in July, has been postponed.
Amazon Prime Day, annually held in July since 2015, also has been postponed but a new date has not been officially announced.
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And Tax Day 2020 was moved from April to July this year with a big deduction: No long list of free food and deals.
July 15 is the new April 15 for those who still have not filed a tax return. The traditional April income tax deadline for 2019 tax returns was extended this year due to the upheaval created by COVID-19.
But foodies, here's a food holiday that is still going on: National Fry Day is Monday, July 13. And Krispy Kreme is giving a dozen of free Original Glazed doughnuts Friday, July 17 with the purchase of a dozen.
Tax Day 2020 deals and free food: Mark the tax deadline with discounts, freebies Wednesday
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7-Eleven giving away free Slurpees through July 31
Free Slurpee Day, also known as 7-Eleven Day, is usually the chain's annual birthday party and has been celebrated each July 11 since 2002. 7-Eleven estimates its stores gave out nearly 9 million Slurpee drinks July 11, 2019.
This year the company canceled the big day but is still giving away free Slurpee drinks in a "safe and socially responsible way," 7-Eleven says on its website.
Members of the 7Rewards loyalty program can get a free medium Slurpee to redeem one time through July 31 at participating locations. 7-Eleven also plans to donate a million free meals to Feeding America, which is considered the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the country.
There also will be deals throughout the month on the 7NOW delivery app.
Sign up for 7Rewards or download the app at www.7-eleven.com/7rewards.
Chick-fil-A's Cow Appreciation Day postponed
There's more time to prepare your cow costume. Chick-fil-A has not said it has canceled its largest customer appreciation event of the year but has postponed it.
Cow Appreciation Day started in 2005 with the free food giveaway traditionally being held in July at restaurants across the nation. The 2009 event was July 9 and nearly 2 million people have participated in past years.
"2020 has been a challenging year, and for the time being, we have decided to postpone the annual holiday in honor of our beloved bovines," Chick-fil-A said in a statement to USA TODAY.
When the day will be scheduled has not been announced.
No Tax Day 2020 freebies?
As many as 11.3 million people still had not received federal income tax refunds for 2019 taxes – down 10.8% from a year ago, based on data through June 19 from the IRS.
Tax Day is usually a big day to collect free food offers and deals. Not so much in 2020.
Here are three deals shared with USA TODAY that are available Wednesday, July 15:
Farmer Boys: Get two breakfast burritos or two Double Big Cheese burgers for just $10.40 Wednesday.
Olive Garden: The chain will offer $15 bottles of wine, available for "Carside Pickup" or in-restaurant at select locations. The selection includes Confetti Pink Moscato Blend, Roscato Rosso Dolce or Moscato Primo Amore. For more information and to view options, go to www.olivegarden.com.
Yard House: The chain's Wine Wednesday will take place July 15. For Wine Wednesdays, Yard House has half-off bottles of wine along with select $5 glasses at participating locations. During Happy Hour, select appetizers and all pizzas are half price and draft beer is $2 off. Learn more and see offers in your area at www.yardhouse.com.
Know of another deal held Wednesday at 50 or more locations? Businesses can submit deals here.
Not canceled: National Fry Day is Monday
The pandemic hasn't canceled National Fry Day, which is held annually on July 13.
Find the full list of deals and contests here.
Krispy Kreme's birthday deal July 17: Get free doughnuts
Krispy Kreme celebrates its 83rd birthday Friday, July 17 with free doughnuts and extended "Hot Light hours."
With the purchase of any dozen doughnuts, get a dozen free Original Glazed doughnuts at participating shops nationwide.
“On our birthday, Krispy Kreme fans get the gifts," Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme's chief marketing officer, said in a news release. "This year we’re giving away a FREE Original Glazed dozen with purchase of any dozen, and running the Hot Light day and night because we sure need something sweet to happen in 2020.”
Contributing: Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press
Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Coronavirus cancels Free Slurpee Day, postpones Cow Appreciation Day
