Benefits

Marriage Allowance: How to Claim This Tax Break

#What Is Marriage Allowance?

Marriage Allowance is a government tax break for married couples and civil partners. It allows one partner to transfer a portion of their unused personal allowance to the other, potentially reducing the couple’s overall tax bill by up to £252 per year.

#Who Is Eligible?

You can claim Marriage Allowance if:

  • You’re married or in a civil partnership.
  • One partner earns less than the personal allowance (£12,570 for 2025/26).
  • The other partner is a basic-rate taxpayer (earning between £12,571 and £50,270).
  • You were both born on or after 6 April 1935 (otherwise, you may qualify for Married Couple’s Allowance instead).

#How It Works

  • The lower-earning partner can transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to their partner.
  • This reduces the higher-earning partner’s income tax by 20% of £1,260, which equals £252.

#Example

If one partner earns £10,000 and the other earns £30,000:

  • The lower earner has £2,570 of unused personal allowance.
  • £1,260 of this can be transferred to the higher earner.
  • This reduces their income tax bill by £252.

#How to Claim

  • Visit gov.uk/apply-marriage-allowance.
  • The non-taxpayer must initiate the application.
  • It can be backdated for up to 4 years if eligible, potentially unlocking over £1,000 in savings.

#Important Notes

  • You don’t need to reapply every year unless your circumstances change.
  • If your income changes (e.g. you go over the personal allowance), you should cancel the claim.

#Final Thoughts

Marriage Allowance is one of the simplest ways to save on your tax bill as a couple. If you’re eligible and not already claiming it, it’s worth applying—you could be missing out on hundreds of pounds each year.