Tax Day 2016 by the numbers, and how to score freebies, deals

Why today is not Tax Day

It’s Tax Day — but not really. Because Emancipation Day, which is celebrated in Washington, D.C., this year falls on April 15, today, the deadline for filing your 2015 tax returns has been pushed back to Monday, April 18. And by the time are done filing this year’s tax returns, Americans will have paid an estimated $1.62 trillion in individual income taxes, up from $1.54 trillion in 2015. In case you’re wondering, the average refund is $2,945, and 92 percent of the federal government’s revenue comes from income taxes. More than 200 million Americans interact with the IRS each year, more than three times any other federal agency.

Why Tax Day is unpopular

Surveys say 35 percent of Americans would rather discuss sex with their kids than do their taxes while 27 percent of taxpayers would get an IRS tattoo to avoid taxes for life. Why? Well, besides the money, Americans will spend 6.1 billion hours doing their taxes, on average 16 hours per person. Almost two-thirds, 60 percent, will need professional help to get their taxes done. And 1.2 million won’t be done even after they file because they be the subject of an audit. Ouch. Oh, and are you going to call the IRS with a question? In 2015, callers on average waited 30.5 minutes on the line, and 62 percent of calls were unanswered.

Because you need a break …

From free shredding — spring cleaning, anyone? — to free and discounted food, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top deals to make the stress of tax season a little more tolerable. Some of the better known brands on the list are Boston Market, Buca di Beppo, Chili’s, Hard Rock Café, McDonald’s, the U.S. National Parks, Office Depot, Office Max, Sonic, Sonny’s BBQ, Staples, Tony Roma’s and World of Beer.

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