Married couples and those in civil partnerships are being urged to say "I do" to the marriage allowance. At the height of the wedding season, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding couples about the allowance, which allows married couples or people in civil partnerships to share their personal tax entitlements.
It can apply if one partner earns below the personal allowance threshold of £12,570 and the other is a basic rate taxpayer - and couples who have been married for years can still qualify. Eligible couples can transfer 10% of their tax-free allowance to their partner, reducing the tax they pay by up to £252 a year.
They can apply any time and, if eligible, could backdate their claims for up to four previous tax years. People can claim directly via HMRC's online portal to ensure they receive 100% of the tax relief they are eligible for. They can visit gov.uk to find out how to apply.