Married couples and civil partners could benefit from an annual tax reduction of up to £212, through a new marriage allowance which starts in the 2015 to 2016 tax year. Eligible couples are now able to register their interest at GOV.UK and will be invited to formally apply online after 6 April. The marriage allowance will allow a spouse or civil partner with income less than £10,600 to transfer £1,060 of their personal tax-free allowance to their higher-income spouse or partner. As long as the person receiving the transfer doesn’t pay tax at the higher or additional rate (for most people that’s an income of £42,385 or below), couples could see an annual tax reduction of up to £212, or around £17.66 a month. About 4 million married couples and civil partners born after 6 April 1935 are eligible for the marriage allowance.
