Hundreds of thousands of married couples could be missing out this Valentine's Day on a tax break worth up to £1150.
Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging married couples and those in a civil partnership to sign up for Marriage Allowance.
More than 1.78 million couples are already committed to the Marriage Allowance boost, but it is estimated more than 2 million across the UK are missing out on up to £250 this year.
If their claim is backdated, they could even receive up to £1,150. This is the last chance for eligible couples to backdate their claim for the 2015/16 tax year as the deadline for doing so is 5 April 2020.
Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Director General for Customer Services, said: “Applying for Marriage Allowance is a quick and easy way for married couples and people in a civil partnership to have £250 or more put back in their pockets.
“It’s fantastic to see so many couples have already put a few minutes aside to apply and we hope many more will sign up this Valentine’s Day to take advantage of this tax relief.”
Marriage Allowance lets people earning £12,500 or less, transfer up to £1,250 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner – if their income is higher. This reduces their tax by up to £250 for the 2020/21 tax year. Claims can also be backdated four years to April 2015. After 5 April 2020, couples will only be able to claim back to the 2016/17 year.
Customers are urged to cut out the middle man and receive a guaranteed 100% of their eligible entitlement, if they apply directly through HMRC.
Dan De Arriba, 34, a HR advisor from Sheffield is one of those already signed up.
He said: “My wife Jie fell pregnant while she was finishing her PhD, so she did not receive any maternity leave payment. I came across Marriage Allowance on GOV.UK. It helped us by saving over £200 a year at a time when it was really needed and the process of applying was very easy. I strongly recommend it to anyone in a marriage or civil partnership.”
Former Manchester City Council worker Jackie Flanagan, 57, is also receiving Marriage Allowance after applying online with her husband of 35 years, Terry. She added: “It only took two minutes and the money was deposited into my bank account. It was so easy!”
Customers in Scotland can benefit from Marriage Allowance if all the following apply:
- You’re married or in a civil partnership.
- You do not pay income tax or your income is below your Personal Allowance (usually £12,500).
- Your partner pays income tax at the basic rate between £12,501 and £43,430
More than four million married couples and 15,000 civil partnerships could benefit from Marriage Allowance.
Couples can find out more information and apply for Marriage Allowance at gov.uk/marriage-allowance.
Marriage Allowance claims do not need to be submitted every year because they are automatically renewed. However, couples should notify HMRC if their circumstances change.
