The marriage tax allowance was introduced nine years ago as a means for helping married couples or civil partners to reduce their tax bill by means of transferring some tax-free allowance from one partner to the other.
For 2024, it works by essentially giving up to 10 percent of the lower earning partner's tax allowance to the other partner via a tax code adjustment, as long as that person is a basic rate taxpayer (earns less than £50,270).
As we approach a new tax year it's time to remind you that if you haven't claimed not only for the current year, but past years then you may be able to backdate your claim and get a cash lump sum from the Taxman!.
Each year you can claim for the current year and have the tax-free allowance adjustment made to the receiving partner's tax code, however if you've not claimed for previous years then you can claim up to an additional four years in one go and receive a cash refund directly from HMRC.
As we get into the new 2024/2025 tax year on April 6th, the ability to claim for 2019/2020 will be removed as only four previous tax years can be claimed for - this would mean missing out on £250.
Use the calculator below to see how much you can claim:
You can apply directly online at HMRC's website at www.gov.uk/apply-marriage-allowance.
