Married or in a Civil Partnership? How to Claim a £1,260 Tax Refund with 'Marriage Allowance'

Married or in a Civil Partnership?

There are very few times when the UK government gives you free money just for being married. The Marriage Allowance is one of them.

Shockingly, HMRC estimates that over 2 million eligible couples in the UK are missing out on this benefit. They simply haven't claimed it because they don't know it exists.

This isn't just about saving a few pennies. If you have never claimed before, you could be sitting on a tax refund of over £1,260. Here is how it works and how to claim it for free.

What is Marriage Allowance?

In the UK, everyone has a Personal Allowance—the amount you can earn tax-free each year (currently £12,570 for the 2025/26 tax year).

The Marriage Allowance lets a lower-earning partner transfer 10% of their Personal Allowance (which is £1,260) to their higher-earning partner.

The Math:

  • Partner A (Lower Earner) gives up £1,260 of their unused tax-free allowance.
  • Partner B (Higher Earner) gains that £1,260 of tax-free allowance.
  • Since Partner B pays 20% tax, saving tax on £1,260 means saving £252 cash per year (20% of £1,260).

Who is Eligible? (The 3 Golden Rules)

To claim this, you must meet ALL three criteria:

✅ The Eligibility Checklist

  1. Status: You must be legally Married or in a Civil Partnership. (Unfortunately, cohabiting couples are not eligible).
  2. The "Non-Taxpayer": One partner must earn less than £12,570. (This usually means they don't pay income tax).
  3. The "Basic Rate Taxpayer": The other partner must be a Basic Rate taxpayer.
    • England/Wales/NI: Income between £12,571 and £50,270.
    • Scotland: Income between £12,571 and £43,662 (Starter, Basic, or Intermediate rate). *Crucial difference for Scottish readers.

The Real Jackpot: Backdating for 4 Years

This is where the big money is. If you have been eligible for a while but never claimed, you can backdate your claim for the previous 4 tax years.

Assuming you were eligible for all years, here is the cash you can unlock:

  • 2024/25: £252
  • 2023/24: £252
  • 2022/23: £252
  • 2021/22: £252 (Warning: You must claim this before 5 April 2026 or lose it forever!)
  • Current Year (2025/26): £252
  • TOTAL: £1,260

How it is paid: You will usually receive a cheque or bank transfer for the backdated years (approx £1,000). For the current year, HMRC will simply adjust your tax code (usually to 'M' or 'N') so you pay less tax in your monthly playslip.

How to Apply (Warning: Do It Yourself!)

There are many "claim companies" online that promise to get this refund for you. Avoid them. They will take 40% to 50% of your refund as a "fee."

Applying directly via HMRC is 100% Free and takes only 10 minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Go to the official GOV.UK website and search for "Apply for Marriage Allowance".
  2. You will need both your and your partner's National Insurance Numbers and ID (passport or driving licence).
  3. The Lower Earner (Non-Taxpayer) must make the application.
  4. Fill in the details and submit.

Does It Affect My Other Benefits?

No. Transferring your Personal Allowance does not affect your Credit Score, Universal Credit, or State Pension entitlement. It is purely an income tax adjustment between spouses.

Claim It Before You Lose It

If you are married and one of you stays home with the kids, works part-time, or is retired on a low income, you are likely eligible.

Checking eligibility takes 30 seconds. Don't leave £1,260 sitting in the taxman's pocket when it rightfully belongs in yours.

General Advice Warning: The information provided in this article is based on UK tax rates for the 2025/26 tax year. Tax thresholds (especially in Scotland) are subject to change in the Budget. If the higher earner slightly exceeds the threshold, making a pension contribution might bring them back into the "Basic Rate" band, making them eligible again. Consult a tax adviser if your situation is complex.