Marriage Allowance checker 2026/27
If one of you earns under £12,570 and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, the lower earner can transfer £1,260 of their Personal Allowance. That cuts the couple's tax by up to £252 a year.
Who can claim
- You're married or in a civil partnership. Living together doesn't count.
- The lower earner's income is below the Personal Allowance (usually £12,570).
- The partner receiving it pays tax at the basic rate, which usually means income of £12,571 to £50,270 (up to £43,662 in Scotland: starter, basic or intermediate rate).
- If either of you was born before 6 April 1935, Married Couple's Allowance is usually worth more.
How to claim
The lower earner applies on GOV.UK (it's free, and takes about 10 minutes). You can backdate to 2022/23 for any years you were eligible, and backdated amounts are paid as a cheque or bank payment. Avoid "claims companies": they take a cut of something you can do yourself for free.
Source: GOV.UK Marriage Allowance.
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How much is Marriage Allowance worth in 2026/27?
Up to £252 a year. The lower earner transfers £1,260 of their £12,570 Personal Allowance, which reduces their partner's tax by 20% of £1,260.
Can I backdate Marriage Allowance?
Yes, to 2022/23 for any tax years you were eligible. Combined with this year, that could be worth over £1,200.
Can we claim if one of us is a higher-rate taxpayer?
No. The person receiving the allowance must pay tax at the basic rate (or starter or intermediate rate in Scotland).
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