Claiming the marriage allowance

The Low Incomes Tax Reform Group published updated guidance on how to apply for the new transferable personal allowance, known as the marriage allowance, for married couples and civil partners which came into effect on 6 April 2015.

The transfer of part of the personal allowance between spouses (or civil partners) allows eligible couples to save up to £212 tax in a year.

The marriage allowance enables an individual whose income does not allow them to make use of their full personal allowance, currently £10,600, to transfer 10% (£1,060) of this allowance to their partner. Their spouse or civil partner is then able to set their own personal allowance, plus the transferred part of their partner's allowance, against their own income. This increase in usable allowances should result in a tax saving of up to £212 in a year for a couple (20% of £1,060).

The transfer can only be made if the spouse or civil partner who receives the transferred allowance is not a higher-rate taxpayer (meaning that in 2015/16 they have an income of more than £42,385).

Currently an individual can only claim to transfer the marriage allowance to their partner by registering online via GOV.UK. The individual will then be prompted to use GOV.UK's Verify procedure to confirm their identity which requires the individual to have a UK passport or driving licence. A phone option is also available if the individual is unable to confirm their identity using Verify they will be advised to call HMRC's PAYE helpline on 0300 200 3300.

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