Couples Could Pocket Extra £1,220 This Valentine’s Day Thanks to Marriage Allowance
Lovebirds, listen up! Married couples and those in civil partnerships could bag up to £1,220 extra this Valentine’s Day. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is urging eligible pairs to sign up for the Marriage Allowance and slash their tax bills.
How Marriage Allowance Works
- If one partner earns less than the Personal Allowance threshold (£12,570) and the other pays basic rate tax, they can transfer 10% of the unused allowance.
- That’s £1,260 for 2021/22, which can cut tax bills by up to £252 a year.
- Couples can backdate claims up to four years, meaning a hefty cash boost up to £1,220 — just when it’s needed most.
It’s a free, fuss-free claim done online, and more than two million couples have already taken advantage since 2015. But thousands more could be missing out.
“Couples could be sitting on a tax relief worth up to £1,220 that could provide vital financial support at a time they need it most,” said Angela MacDonald, HMRC’s Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary. “To find out if you are eligible and how to apply, search ‘Marriage Allowance’ on GOV.UK.”
Who’s Eligible? Changes Can Boost Your Chances
If your circumstances have shifted, now’s the time to check if you qualify. Eligible changes include:
- Getting married or entering a civil partnership recently
- One partner retiring while the other is still working
- Job changes or reduced hours due to COVID-19
- Taking unpaid leave or career breaks
- One partner studying or earning below the allowance
Plus, if your spouse or civil partner has passed since April 2017, you can still claim by contacting the Income Tax helpline.
Don’t Miss Out – Apply Today
- Claims auto-renew each year, but notify HMRC if your situation changes.
- Marriage Allowance amounts vary by tax year but hover around £230-£252.
Tax Year Marriage Allowance Amount 2021/22£252 2020/21£250 2019/20£250 2018/19£238 2017/18£230
Ready to claim your tax break? Head over to GOV.UK Marriage Allowance page and make sure you don’t miss out on this easy extra cash this Valentine’s Day!
