Marriage Allowance is one of the easiest bits of free money in the UK tax system — yet millions of eligible couples never claim it. If one partner earns below the Personal Allowance and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, you can transfer part of the allowance and save up to £252 a year — plus backdate up to four years.
Quick facts
- Worth
- Up to £252 a year, plus up to 4 years backdated
- Who
- Married / civil partners — one non-taxpayer, one basic-rate
- Cost
- Free — claim directly on GOV.UK
- Time
- A few minutes online
Who qualifies
- You’re married or in a civil partnership (just living together doesn’t count).
- One of you earns below the Personal Allowance (a non-taxpayer).
- The other is a basic-rate taxpayer (not higher or additional rate).
How much you save
The lower earner transfers part of their Personal Allowance to the higher earner. That reduces the higher earner’s tax by up to £252 a year. Because you can backdate up to four years, a first successful claim is often worth £1,000+ as a lump sum.
How to claim
Check you’re eligible
Confirm one of you is a non-taxpayer and the other pays basic-rate tax.
Apply on GOV.UK
The lower earner makes the application through the official Marriage Allowance service. You’ll need both National Insurance numbers and ID.
Backdate it
Ask to backdate for any of the previous four years you were eligible — that’s where the big lump sum comes from.
It continues automatically
Once set up, it carries over each year until your circumstances change — then just tell HMRC.
Common questions
Who should make the claim?
Can I backdate it?
Should I use a claims company?
What if our circumstances change?
Check the official sources
This guide is general information, not financial advice. Rules, rates and eligibility change and differ by country — always confirm the current details with the relevant official body before you act.
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