If you're married or in a civil partnership and one of you earns less than the Personal Allowance (£12,570), you could be missing out on up to £252 per year — or over £1,000 if you backdate. It takes 10 minutes to apply and it's one of the easiest couple money wins available.
What Is Marriage Allowance?
Marriage Allowance lets the lower earner transfer 10% of their Personal Allowance (£1,260) to their partner. The higher earner then pays less tax — saving up to £252 per year. It's completely separate from Married Couple's Allowance, which is for couples where one partner was born before 6 April 1935.
Who Is Eligible?
- You must be married or in a civil partnership (not just living together)
- The lower earner must have income below £12,570 (the Personal Allowance)
- The higher earner must be a basic rate taxpayer (earning between £12,571 and £50,270)
- If the higher earner pays higher or additional rate tax, you can't claim
- Both partners must have been born after 5 April 1935
How to Apply
Apply online at GOV.UK — you'll need both partners' National Insurance numbers and the lower earner's details. Once set up, it applies automatically each year until you cancel. The tax reduction appears in the higher earner's tax code, so you'll see slightly more in each pay packet.
Backdating Your Claim
You can backdate Marriage Allowance claims by up to 4 years. If you've been eligible since the 2022/23 tax year, that's potentially over £1,000 back as a lump sum. HMRC will send a cheque or credit your account. This is separate from your HMRC tax refund — make sure you're claiming everything you're entitled to.
When Marriage Allowance Doesn't Make Sense
If the lower earner has income close to £12,570, transferring some of their allowance could mean they end up paying tax on income that was previously tax-free. Run the numbers first. Also, if your circumstances change (divorce, income changes), you'll need to cancel — otherwise the higher earner keeps the benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Marriage Allowance if I'm self-employed?
Yes, as long as you meet the income criteria. Self-employment income counts towards the thresholds.
Does Marriage Allowance affect my state pension?
No. Marriage Allowance only transfers part of your Income Tax Personal Allowance. It has no effect on National Insurance or state pension entitlement.
What happens to Marriage Allowance if we separate?
You need to cancel it. Contact HMRC — the allowance stops from the date of the cancellation or from the date of divorce/dissolution.
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