If you’re married or in a civil partnership in the UK, you might be missing out on a simple but powerful tax break called the Marriage Allowance. At a time when many households are looking for ways to ease financial pressure, this overlooked benefit could be worth up to £252 a year—and potentially more if you backdate your claim.
Let’s break down what it is, who qualifies, and how apps like SavingTax can help you claim what you’re entitled to.
What Is Marriage Allowance?
Marriage Allowance lets a non-taxpaying spouse transfer a portion of their unused Personal Allowance (the amount of income you can earn tax-free) to their basic-rate taxpaying partner.
- In the 2025/26 tax year, the Personal Allowance is £12,570.
- You can transfer £1,260 of this allowance to your partner.
- This can reduce their tax bill by up to £252 per year.
Who Is Eligible?
You can apply if:
- You’re married or in a civil partnership.
- One partner earns below the Personal Allowance (usually under £12,570).
- The other partner earns between £12,571 and £50,270 (basic rate).
Note: If both partners earn over £12,570, you’re not eligible.
Can You Backdate a Claim?
Yes! You can backdate your claim by up to 4 tax years if you were eligible. That could mean a total refund of over £1,000, plus further savings in the current tax year.
How to Claim?
You can apply directly through HMRC’s website, but many people forget or miss the opportunity to claim.
This is where SavingTax comes in.
How SavingTax Helps You Make the Most of Marriage Allowance
The SavingTax app was designed to help UK taxpayers optimise their tax position—without needing to be tax experts. When you sign up, the app reviews your tax profile and highlights opportunities like:
- Marriage Allowance eligibility
- Tax reliefs you haven’t claimed
- Simple breakdowns of your potential savings
If you’re eligible for Marriage Allowance, SavingTax will show you how much you could save and guide you through the claim process—ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
Final Thoughts
Many couples miss out on Marriage Allowance simply because they don’t know it exists. If one of you earns under the Personal Allowance and the other pays basic-rate tax, there’s no reason not to claim it—and every reason to act now.
With the SavingTax app, identifying and claiming benefits like this has never been easier.
Download SavingTax today and let it work out your Marriage Allowance eligibility in minutes—because saving money shouldn’t be complicated.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Your personal circumstances will affect the tax you pay. SavingTax is designed to help you understand tax rules and opportunities, but for personalised advice, you should consult with a qualified tax advisor or financial planner. HMRC’s website (gov.uk) is also a valuable resource for detailed tax information.