What Is McDonald's Tax Day Deal and Who Qualifies
McDonald's tax day deal is a promotion that links customers to free tax preparation through the IRS Free File program, H&R Block Online Free Edition, and TurboTax Free Edition for eligible simple federal returns. The deal typically runs from early January through the April 15 tax deadline each year, and it is available to all U.S. taxpayers regardless of McDonald's purchase history. The program is not a McDonald's employee benefit but a public-private partnership with tax software companies and the IRS. You can access the offer by visiting the McDonald's website or app and following the tax day deal banner, which redirects you to the provider's official page.Learn more about IRS Free File eligibility.
To qualify for the McDonald's tax day deal, you generally must have a simple tax situation, including wages, salaries, tips, and standard deduction eligibility, with no itemized deductions or complex schedules. Most free tiers support Adjusted Gross Income limits, often around $73,000 or less for IRS Free File partners, though some providers set lower thresholds. The deal covers federal free filing, while state returns may require a separate paid product or a different free option from the same provider. You must use the specific links from the McDonald's promotion page to ensure you are directed to the free tier rather than a paid product.Forbes details on IRS Free File partners.
Which Tax Software Providers Are Included in McDonald's Tax Day Deal
The McDonald's tax day deal commonly features H&R Block Online Free Edition, TurboTax Free Edition, and other IRS Free File partners as the primary free options. H&R Block's free version supports simple federal returns with standard deduction and W-2 income, while TurboTax Free Edition covers similar basic federal filings with direct deposit refund options. Both providers offer guided interview-style filing, error checks, and free federal e-file through the IRS Free File program when accessed via the McDonald's promotion. Other partners may include brand-name tax software that participates in the IRS Free File initiative, but availability can change annually.IRS Free File provider list.
McDonald's does not guarantee a specific provider every year; the deal rotates among IRS Free File partners based on annual agreements. In recent years, the promotion has highlighted H&R Block and TurboTax as the main free options for qualifying filers. You should compare the free features, such as audit support, refund tracking, and state filing availability, before choosing a provider. If your return is too complex for the free tier, the provider will typically offer a paid upgrade during the filing process, but you are not required to purchase it.Compare IRS Free File options.
How to Use McDonald's Tax Day Deal and Key Filing Deadlines
To use McDonald's tax day deal, visit the official McDonald's website or mobile app during the promotion period, locate the tax day deal banner, and click through to the selected tax software provider's free filing page. You will need a valid email address, Social Security number, W-2 or 1099 income documents, bank account details for direct deposit, and basic personal and dependent information. The providers typically guide you step by step through the interview-style federal return, calculate your refund or tax owed, and transmit the e-file return directly to the IRS. Save your confirmation number and keep a copy of your filed return for your records.