Marriage Allowance

Although the financial impact of this allowance is relatively low, it is surprising that there has not been more uptake of the Marriage Allowance since its inception 6 April 2015. In fact, taxpayers that qualify can still backdate a claim for 2015-16 as well as make a claim for the current tax year, 2016-17.

Marriage Allowance lets you transfer £1,100 of your Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner – if they earn more than you. This reduces their tax by up to £220 in the tax year. To benefit as a couple, the lower earner must have an income of £11,000 or less.

If you were eligible for Marriage Allowance in the 2015-2016 tax year, you can backdate your claim to 6 April 2015 and reduce the tax paid by up to £432.

Who can apply

You can get Marriage Allowance if all the following apply:

• you are married or in a civil partnership
• you don’t earn anything or your income is under £11,000
• your partner’s income is between £11,001 and £43,000

You can still apply for Marriage Allowance if you or your partner:

• are currently receiving a pension
• live abroad – as long as you get a Personal Allowance.

To apply, you will need you and your partner’s National Insurance numbers. You will also need a way to prove your identity. This can be one of the following:

• the last 4 digits of the account that your child benefit, tax credits or pension is paid into
• the last 4 digits of an account that pays you interest
• details from your P60
• details from any of your 3 most recent payslips
• your passport number and expiry date

You’ll get an email confirming your application. The online application link is https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/marriage-allowance-application/eligibility-check?_ga=1.166134333.262204862.1487688115