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Valentine’s Day isn’t just for chocolates and flowers…it could be for saving on your taxes too! If you’re married or in a civil partnership, the Marriage Allowance might put a little extra back in your pocket.

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What is Marriage Allowance?

Marriage Allowance lets one partner transfer part of their personal allowance to the other, potentially reducing their tax bill.

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How it works:

• If one partner earns less than the personal allowance (currently £12,570 for 2026/27), they can transfer £1,260 to partner.
• The higher-earning partner benefits by up to £252 in tax savings per year.
• It can be backdated up to 4 previous tax years if you have missed out! 

Pros of Marriage Allowance

• ‍Reduce your tax bill: Every little bit helps, especially for couples planning a shared future.
• ‍Easy to apply: The government’s online application is straightforward or your accountant can do it for you! 
• ‍Backdating potential: Don’t worry if you missed it in previous years, you can still claim.
• ‍Encourages financial planning: A good excuse for couples to review their joint finances.

Cons / Things to Consider

• Only applies if the lower-earning partner earns less than the personal allowance.
• Higher earners transferring allowance to another higher earner don’t benefit.
• If circumstances change (e.g., job change, divorce), the allowance may need adjusting.
• The savings are modest—up to £252 per year—so it’s not life-changing, but every little helps!

Here is a quick example to briefly explain how it works:

• ‍Jane earns £30,000, John earns £10,000.
• John transfers £1,260 of his allowance to Jane.
• Jane’s tax bill reduces by £252.
• That’s £252 more for date nights, gifts, or even a little treat for yourselves!

Want to see if you qualify?  Quick out our quick quiz below!

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Quiz: Could You Benefit from Marriage Allowance?

1️⃣ Are you married or in a civil partnership?

• Yes → Next question
• No → Sorry, Marriage Allowance only applies to married couples or civil partners

2️⃣ Does one partner earn less than £12,570 per year (personal allowance for 2026/27)?

• Yes → Next question
• No → You probably won’t benefit

3️⃣ Is the higher-earning partner a basic-rate taxpayer (earning up to £50,270)?

• Yes → Next question
• No → Marriage Allowance may not help if they’re a higher-rate taxpayer

4️⃣ Do you want to save up to £252 on your tax bill this year?

• Yes → You could benefit from Marriage Allowance!
• Not sure → We can help you check your eligibility

✅ Result:

• ‍Mostly Yes answers: You could likely benefit! Time to claim your Marriage Allowance!
• ‍Mostly No answers: You probably won’t benefit, but it’s always good to double-check with a quick review of your finances.

Marriage Allowance is a simple way for eligible couples to reduce their tax bill and make the most of their finances together. Whether you’re newly weds, long-time partners, or just curious about your options, it’s worth checking if you could benefit.

Want to find out more or see if you qualify?
Our team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions. Get in touch today and make your finances work together!