Marriage Allowance Tax Refund

Could You Be Missing Out on Over £1,000?

Did you know you could be missing out on a tax refund worth more than £1,000 if you’re married? A lot of couples don’t know about this, but it’s called Marriage Allowance. It’s a simple way to save money, and it could make a real difference to your budget at home. Let’s break it down to see if you can benefit from it.

What is Marriage Allowance?

Marriage Allowance lets you transfer some of your tax allowance to your husband, wife, or civil partner if they earn more than you do. This helps lower the amount of tax you pay together. It sounds simple, but the savings can be big, because you can also claim for the last four years, which could add up to over £1,000 in total. That’s a pretty nice lump sum if you’ve been missing out!

It might sound complicated, but it’s actually simple. Marriage Allowance helps HMRC recognize that many couples share their finances. By moving some of the unused allowance over, you can make your money work a bit better for you both.

Who Can Claim Marriage Allowance?

Wondering if you qualify? Here’s what you need to know:

• You must be married or in a civil partnership. Just living together doesn’t count – you need to be officially married or in a civil partnership.
• One of you must earn less than £12,570 a year and not pay any tax. If you don’t use all of your personal allowance, you can transfer some of it.
• The other person must earn between £12,571 and £50,270 and pay tax at the basic rate. If they’re a higher-rate taxpayer, you won’t qualify.

If these apply to you and your partner, you could be eligible. It’s worth checking – you could get hundreds of pounds back.

How Much Could You Get Back?

So, how much money could you get? The person who doesn’t pay tax can transfer up to £1,260 of their personal allowance to their partner, which means the person earning more pays less tax. This could save you up to £252 each year.

You can also claim for the last four tax years if you’re eligible, which could add up to £1,008. Imagine getting a cheque from HMRC for over £1,000. With rising costs, every bit of extra money can really help.

Think of what you could do with that kind of money. It could help pay for a holiday, cover unexpected car repairs, or just give you a bit more breathing space. It’s one of those rare times when the tax office actually gives you something back.

How to Apply for Marriage Allowance

The good news is that it’s easy to apply. You don’t need an accountant or complicated forms. You can do it online in just a few minutes. Here’s how:

• Visit the Government’s official website or use a trusted service like Tax Digital.
• Enter your details — this means confirming your income and giving some basic information about your marriage or civil partnership.
• HMRC will change your tax code, and if you’re due back payments, you’ll get a cheque or a bank transfer. Simple as that.

If you don’t like doing things online, you can also apply by phone or post. The process is quick, and HMRC are usually pretty helpful if you have questions. The key is to just get started – once it’s done, you can enjoy the benefits.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait

Taxes aren’t fun, but don’t put this off. If you’re eligible, the sooner you apply, the sooner you’ll get the money. This is money you’re entitled to, so don’t delay. HMRC lets you claim for up to four years in the past, so why wait?

With bills and other costs adding up, getting a bit of extra cash can make a big difference. Marriage Allowance is money you’re owed if you meet the criteria, so why not claim it?

So, grab a cup of tea, and take 10 minutes to see if you can get this money. It’s a small effort for what could be a big reward. And honestly, it’s easier than you might think.

Is Marriage Allowance Worth It?

Absolutely. Marriage Allowance is a great way to get some money back that’s rightfully yours. It’s quick, simple, and can be a big help, especially now. If you’re eligible, don’t turn down free money!

Think about what you could do with an extra £1,000 or so. You could use it for a holiday, pay off some debt, or just have a bit more financial security. There’s really no downside to applying – it’s easy, and the reward is well worth it.

Ready to see if you can claim? Head over to Tax Digital and get started today.