If you’re married or in a civil partnership, the Marriage Tax Allowance could help you save up to £252 on your tax bill each year. But many eligible couples miss out simply because they don’t know it exists or assume they don’t qualify.
In this guide, we’ll break down what it is, how it works, who qualifies, and how to claim it all in simple terms.
What Is the Marriage Tax Allowance?
The Marriage Tax Allowance is a government tax relief designed for married couples or civil partners where one partner earns less than the personal allowance (£12,570 for 2025/26).
It lets the lower earner transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to their higher-earning spouse or partner.
That means the higher earner pays less income tax, saving up to £252 per year.
Example: How It Works
Let’s say:
- Jamie earns £10,000 per year (below the £12,570 allowance).
- Taylor earns £30,000 per year (a basic-rate taxpayer).
Jamie can transfer £1,260 of their unused allowance to Taylor.
Now, Taylor’s tax-free allowance becomes £13,830 (£12,570 + £1,260).
As a result, Taylor pays £252 less in tax for the year.
Who Can Claim the Marriage Tax Allowance?
You can claim if:
- You’re married or in a civil partnership.
- One partner earns below £12,570 (the personal allowance).
- The other partner earns between £12,571 and £50,270 (basic-rate taxpayer in England, Wales).
- You were both born after 6 April 1935 (those born before may qualify for the Married Couple’s Allowance instead).
Note: If both partners earn above £12,570, you can’t claim this allowance.
How Far Back Can You Claim?
You can backdate your claim up to four years, as long as you were eligible during those years.
That means if you haven’t claimed before, you could receive a lump-sum refund worth over £1,000 for previous tax years.
How to Apply for Marriage Tax Allowance
It’s easy to apply online through the HMRC website.
Here’s how:
- Visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-marriage-allowance
- The lower earner must make the application.
- You’ll need both partners’ National Insurance numbers and some ID verification (such as a payslip or P60).
- HMRC will adjust the higher earner’s tax code to reflect the allowance.
Once approved, it automatically applies every year unless your circumstances change.
When You Should Cancel It
You’ll need to cancel the Marriage Tax Allowance if:
- You divorce or dissolve your civil partnership.
- The lower earner’s income rises above £12,570.
- The higher earner becomes a higher-rate taxpayer (earns over £50,270).
You can update or cancel your claim online via your Personal Tax Account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the UK Marriage Tax Allowance?
The Marriage Tax Allowance lets a lower-earning spouse or civil partner transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to their partner. This reduces the higher earner’s tax bill by up to £252 per year, as long as both partners meet the eligibility criteria.
2. Does marriage give you tax benefits in the UK?
Yes. Being married or in a civil partnership can bring tax advantages, primarily through the Marriage Tax Allowance and, for older couples (born before 6 April 1935), the Married Couple’s Allowance. These benefits can reduce the amount of Income Tax you pay as a household.
3. How to apply for Marriage Tax Allowance in the UK?
You can apply online through the official HMRC website:
- The lower earner must apply.
- You’ll need both partners’ National Insurance numbers and some form of ID.
- Once approved, the higher earner’s tax code will be updated automatically.
4. Is it worth claiming Marriage Allowance?
Absolutely. It’s a simple way to save up to £252 per year and if you’ve never claimed before, you could backdate up to four years and receive over £1,000 in total tax refunds. It only takes a few minutes to apply.
5. Can I claim Marriage Allowance if my wife is not working?
Yes in fact, that’s when it’s most beneficial. If your spouse has no income or earns less than £12,570, they can transfer £1,260 of their unused personal allowance to you, provided you are a basic-rate taxpayer
Final Thought
The Marriage Tax Allowance might not make you rich overnight, but it’s a simple and effective way to reduce your household tax bill. With an easy online application and potential backdated claims, it’s definitely worth checking if you qualify. At Pro Taxman, our accounting experts can review your finances, handle your HMRC application, and ensure you receive every penny of tax relief you deserve.