HMRC reveals 700,000 couples are 'missing out' on Marriage Allowance

15 Feb 2019

HMRC has estimated that around 700,000 couples are 'missing out' on the Marriage Allowance, which could save them up to £238 in tax.

Introduced in April 2015, the Marriage Allowance enables spouses to transfer a fixed amount of their personal allowance (PA) to their partner. The option is available to couples where neither pays tax at the higher or additional rate. If eligible, one partner will be able to transfer 10% of their PA to the other partner (£1,190 for the 2018/19 tax year).

For those couples where one person does not use all of their PA, the benefit will be up to £238 (20% of £1,190).

Commenting on the allowance, Mel Stride, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, said: 'For more than 3.5 million married couples and those in a civil partnership, we are putting up to £238 this year back into their wallets, and it is encouraging to see so many people taking advantage of the tax relief.

'Married couples who are yet to sign up for this great scheme – you too can benefit – it is quick to register, and any backdated allowances will be paid as a lump sum.'

The Marriage Allowance is available in Scotland: to qualify, the higher earning partner must pay tax at the starter, basic or intermediate rate.