The figures on GOV.UK are for the 2025 to 2026 tax year. Use HMRC's Married Couple's Allowance calculator for your own figure.
Quick facts
- Saves
- £436 to £1,127 a year (2025/26)
- Born
- One of you before 6 April 1935
- Couple
- Married or civil partners, living together
- Younger couples
- Marriage Allowance instead
Who can claim
You can claim Married Couple’s Allowance if all the following apply:
- you’re married or in a civil partnership
- you’re living with your spouse or civil partner
- one of you was born before 6 April 1935
You can still claim Married Couple’s Allowance if you’re unable to live with your spouse or civil partner because of illness or old age, for example where your spouse or partner is in residential care, or working away from home.
What you get
For the 2025 to 2026 tax year, it could cut your tax bill by between £436 and £1,127 a year.
For marriages before 5 December 2005, the husband’s income is used to work out Married Couple’s Allowance. For marriage and civil partnerships after this date, it’s the income of the highest earner.
If you marry or register a civil partnership, you’ll get the allowance on a pro-rata basis for the rest of that tax year.
If one of you dies or you divorce or separate, the allowance continues until the end of the tax year.
If you were both born later
If you and your partner were born on or after 6 April 1935, you may be able to claim Marriage Allowance instead. See Marriage Allowance.
Common questions
How much is Married Couple's Allowance?
Between £436 and £1,127 off your tax bill a year, on GOV.UK's 2025 to 2026 figures.
Who can get it?
Married couples or civil partners living together where one of you was born before 6 April 1935.
What if my spouse is in a care home?
You can still claim if you cannot live together because of illness or old age.
We were both born later. What can we get?
Marriage Allowance instead.