Marriage Allowance Calculator (Are You Eligible?)
Married couples and civil partners can sometimes save up to £252 a year. Check whether you qualify.
| Tax saved by the higher earner (20% of £1,260) | £252 |
|---|---|
| Extra tax the lower earner pays on the allowance given up | £0 |
| Net saving a year | £252 |
You can usually backdate a claim to 6 April 2022 if you were eligible in earlier years, which could add up to £1,260 over five tax years if your incomes were similar. You must be married or in a civil partnership. Apply on GOV.UK.
What is Marriage Allowance?
Marriage Allowance lets one partner transfer £1,260 of their tax-free Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner. The partner who receives it pays up to £252 less tax in the tax year (20% of £1,260).
Who can claim?
- You are married or in a civil partnership. Living together is not enough.
- The lower earner does not pay Income Tax, or their income is below the Personal Allowance of £12,570.
- The higher earner pays tax at the basic rate: income between £12,571 and £50,270 (in Scotland, the starter, basic or intermediate rate: up to £43,662).
Backdating a claim
You can backdate a claim to 6 April 2022 if you were eligible in earlier years, which can mean a rebate of several hundred pounds. If you are already registered for Self Assessment, ask HMRC how to include it.
Good to know
- If either of you was born before 6 April 1935, Married Couple’s Allowance may be worth more. You cannot claim both.
- Pension income counts towards the income limits, and living abroad does not stop you claiming if you still get a Personal Allowance.
- It is free to apply on GOV.UK. Be wary of companies that charge a fee for claiming it.
Sources: GOV.UK: Marriage Allowance. Figures last checked on 8 October 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Marriage Allowance worth?
Up to £252 a year in lower tax, from transferring £1,260 of Personal Allowance.
Who gets the Marriage Allowance tax saving?
The partner who receives the transferred allowance (the higher earner) gets a reduction in their tax. The lower earner gives up part of their unused allowance.
Can I claim if we are not married?
No. You must be married or in a civil partnership.
What if the lower earner earns more than £11,310?
Transferring £1,260 would take their allowance below their income, so they would pay a little tax on the difference. The calculator subtracts that cost from the saving.
More from UK Answers
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.