Where to get tax day freebies

By MSN Money staff

Tax day is here, and if you feel the need for free comfort food, you may be in luck.

The beleaguered restaurant industry is once again using the deadline for submitting federal and state tax returns as a way to get some relief for itself: bringing in potential customers via free samples, discounts or other promotions.

Getting customers in the door has been especially challenging this year as cost-conscious Americans eat more meals at home. Restaurant visits by customers aged 18 to 24 -- the most lucrative restaurant segment -- dropped by 8% last year, according to market researcher NPD Group.

If fast food is not your thing, a free massage may be just the thing to help you cope with the stress of giving Uncle Sam his annual due.

• Talk back: What will you do with your tax refund?

Cinnabon is commiserating with taxpayers via its giveaway slogan "Tax Day Bites!" It's offering free Classic Bites today from 5 to 8 p.m., while supplies last. The number of bites given to each customer varies by store. The offer is valid at participating U.S. mall-based bakeries -- not at Cinnabon outlets in airports or travel plazas. No coupon is needed and no purchase is necessary.

Taco Del Mar's slogan goes a step further: "Taxes $uck. Tacos Don’t." You will need to fill out an online form and provide an e-mail address to retrieve the coupon -- the "free Taco 1099" -- for your tax day taco.

MaggieMoo's Ice Cream and Treatery is offering free single-scoop ice cream cones to all comers throughout the day. Check out the company's Web site for the MaggieMoo's nearest you.

The P.F. Chang's China Bistro chain is offering a 15% discount for customers who dine at its restaurants today.

Or visit any of the T.G.I. Friday's restaurants and receive a Bonus Bites gift card worth either $5 or $10 to use on a return visit. Members of the chain's frequent-customer program will also get double points.

Stress be gone

The maker of the HydroMassage bed is offering free massages today at hundreds of health clubs, spas and chiropractic clinics across the country.

As usual, there are some caveats. A printable coupon for the free massage is available at the site, but is not valid at all locations that offer HydroMassage, and certain limitations may apply. You’ll need to find a location offering the deal and call ahead to schedule your appointment.

The massage is administered in an enclosed bed that uses what the company calls a water-through-air technology that offers user-defined massage options. (A typical HydroMassage takes 15 minutes and costs $20 or less.)

An interactive touch screen allows a user to watch movies or listen to music during the massage, the company said.

If you’re racing to meet the midnight deadline to file your 2008 taxes, the Internal Revenue Service and others may be able to help with filing online.