When it comes to saving money, every little helps — and the HMRC Marriage Allowance might just be one of the most overlooked ways UK couples can keep a little more cash in their pockets each year.
Let’s break down what it is, who can claim it, and how to make sure you’re not missing out on what could be hundreds of pounds in tax savings.
What Is Marriage Allowance?
Marriage Allowance is a UK tax benefit for married couples and civil partners. It allows the lower-earning partner to transfer a portion of their personal tax allowance to their higher-earning partner.
For the 2024/25 tax year, the personal allowance is £12,570. If one partner earns less than this (or doesn’t earn at all), they can transfer £1,260 of their allowance to their spouse, reducing their tax bill by up to £252.
Not too shabby for filling out a quick form online.
Who Can Claim It?
Here’s the checklist:
- You’re married or in a civil partnership.
- One partner earns less than the personal allowance (under £12,570).
- The other partner earns between £12,571 and £50,270 (basic rate taxpayer).
- You’re both born after 6 April 1935 (if older, you might qualify for a different allowance).
How Do You Apply?
The good news? It’s super simple.
- Visit Apply for Marriage Allowance online – GOV.UK.
- The lower earner applies to transfer part of their allowance.
- You only need to apply once — HMRC will adjust future tax codes automatically.
You can even backdate your claim up to four tax years, which means you could receive a lump sum of over £1,000 if you’ve been eligible but haven’t claimed before.
Can You Cancel It Later?
Yes! If your circumstances change (e.g., income levels swap or you separate), you can cancel the allowance through HMRC’s website. Easy peasy.
Final Thoughts
With the cost of living being what it is, Marriage Allowance is a no-brainer for eligible couples. It’s quick to apply, painless to maintain, and can genuinely put money back in your wallet.
So, if you’re married and one of you earns under £12,570, take a few minutes to check — you might have a nice little tax rebate waiting for you.
Want help navigating HMRC’s site or unsure if you qualify? Drop a question in the comments — happy to help!