MILLIONS of married couples are missing out on up to £1,220 each in tax relief, according to HMRC.
As many as 2.4 million couples have not claimed the marriage allowance they become eligible for after tying the knot.
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The tax relief lets married couples and those in civil partnerships share their personal tax allowances if one partner earns an income under their personal allowance.
It means a saving of up to £252 off your income tax per year.
To qualify, one of the couple must be a basic rate taxpayer and the other a non-taxpayer.
The non-taxpayer must have earned an income below their Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570.
Couples can backdate their claims for any of the previous four tax years, which means they could be due up to £1,220.
Nearly 1.8 million married couples and civil partnerships are already making use of the extra tax relief.
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However, HMRC estimates a total of 4.2 million couples are eligible for the scheme.
This means 2.4 million married couples have yet to claim the tax back.
Hargreaves Lansdown personal finance analyst Sarah Coles urged Brits to make use of the tax relief ahead of looming tax increases.
She told The Sun: “At the moment there’s plenty of speculation that the government is busy dreaming up more ways to make us pay more tax, so it’s worth taking advantage of the tax breaks on offer too.
“The thought of applying for a tax allowance can be off-putting, but it’s not a particularly involved process.
“You can do it online, as long as you have a National Insurance number and proof of your identity.
“And your efforts could save you a decent chunk of cash.”
The good news comes as thousands of happy couples are planning their summer weddings.
August has traditionally been the most popular month for weddings – and 2021 was no different.
Wedding magazine Hitch reported that August 21 was the most popular day of 2021 to get married, with 16,350 couples tying the knot.
How do I apply?
Only the lower fee payer or non-taxpayer can apply.
The easiest way is to fill out a form on the government’s website.
You’ll need both your National Insurance numbers and a form of ID for the non-taxpayer.
Alternatively, you can apply through self-assessment or by writing to HMRC.
The requirements you must meet include being a married couple or civil partnership – and born on or after April 6, 1935.
Whichever way you do apply, any backdated money owed to you will be calculated automatically and sent to you as a cheque.
If you need any assistance applying, you can call the HMRC helpline on 03000 200 3300.
Here’s how much the relief is worth for current and past four tax years:
- 2021/22 – £252
- 2020/21 – £250
- 2019/20 – £250
- 2018/19 – £238
- 2017/18 – £230
Brits were urged to take advantage of the tax break as the cost of living is set to soar further.
That includes an estimated 6% rise in council tax.
Experts have warned energy bills could hit £2,00 by the end of next year, an average increase of £600 per household.
Martin Lewis reveals how households will pay 40% more for steeper energy bills next year
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