Save extra pounds by claiming Marriage Allowance

As the tax year draws to a close, couples who are married or in civil partnerships in Denbighshire could be due a financial boost by sharing unused tax allowances.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has revealed March is the most popular month for Marriage Allowance applications, with almost 70,000 couples applying in March last year. And with the option to backdate their claim for the previous 4 tax years, eligible couples could receive a lump-sum payment worth more than £1,000, in addition to reducing their tax bill for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by up to £252.

To benefit from the tax relief, one partner must have income less than the Personal Allowance of £12,570, and the higher earning partner’s income must be between £12,571 and £50,270. Couples must have been born on or after 6 April 1935.

Residents in Denbighshire can find out in 30 seconds if they are eligible by using the online Marriage Allowance Calculator.

Gwyneth Ellis, Lead Member for Finance, Performance and Strategic Assets said:

“Many couples are not aware they are entitled to these incentives so it’s important we highlight them to ensure residents are maximising their household incomes.

We’re keen to offer ongoing help and advice in conjunction with our partners especially to those struggling with day-to-day costs to support economic growth and help communities to thrive in Denbighshire.

I would encourage anyone seeking to improve financial and personal resilience to contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire. They provide free, confidential advice, providing people with the knowledge and confidence to find a way forward.”

Marriage Allowance saves couples money by allowing the lower or non-earner to reduce the amount of tax their partner pays by transferring up to £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner.

Sharon Evans, Registration Service Team Manager/Superintendent Registrar at Denbighshire County Council commented:

“A great deal of wedding and civil partnership ceremonies take place here in Denbighshire every year. Many couples will be unaware of this tax incentive, and I would urge anyone who meets the criteria to use the calculator and apply online particularly during this current financial climate.”

The easiest way to claim Marriage Allowance is online via https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance

For more information on cost of living support in Denbighshire, please visit https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/costofliving or contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire https://www.cadenbighshire.co.uk