Can you get the Marriage Tax Allowance?

Last year the government introduced the Marriage Tax Allowance, which is a way for couples to transfer a proportion of their personal allowance between them.

So far supposedly 3.7 million of the 4.2 million eligible couples are not claiming the allowance and are missing out. You could be entitled to a tax break of £432 if you claim back last years allowance of £212 and this years allowance of £220.

Couples who can get the allowance must:

• be married or in a civil partnership
• both be born on or after 6 April 1935
• have one person who is a non-taxpayer - earns less than the personal allowance of £11,000 (2015/16 - £10,600)
• the other person must be a basic 20% rate taxpayer - earns between £11,000 and £43,000 (2015/16 £10,600 and £42,385)

So how does it work?

It is really quite simple, the non-taxpayer in the couple can either complete the application form at HM Revenue & Customs or call 0300 200 3300. You will need to know both of your National Insurances numbers.

Once you have applied and it has been accepted, there is nothing more to do, if both of you become taxpayers, then HMRC will make the necessary changes, otherwise the allowance will continue each year.