HMRC clarifies how married couples can boost their tax-free allowance to £13,830
HMRC explains that married or civil-partner couples can raise their Personal Allowance to £13,830 and backdate the claim for up to four years.
Since 2021 the Personal Allowance has remained at £12,570, causing many taxpayers to face higher rates as wages rise. HMRC confirms that married couples or civil partners can increase their tax-free income by £1,260 through the Marriage Allowance, lifting the allowance to £13,830. The scheme allows a back-dated claim for up to four previous tax years, provided one partner’s earnings are below the allowance threshold.
The higher-earning partner must be a basic-rate taxpayer, and the lower earner must pay no income tax. HMRC will adjust the tax code for one outlet year and issue cheques for any retroactive refunds. Laura Suter of AJ Bell highlights that around two million couples qualify but often overlook the benefit, and warns against fraudulent websites mimicking the government portal.
Why it matters
Understanding the Marriage Allowance can reduce tax bills for eligible couples and recover money from previous years.
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