Marriage Allowance - are your employees missing out?

The Marriage Allowance lets certain individuals transfer 10% of their personal allowance to their spouse or civil partner.

Marriage Allowance - are your employees missing out?

The Marriage Allowance lets certain individuals transfer 10% of their personal allowance to their spouse or civil partner. This reduces the tax bill of the recipient of the transfer by up to £212 in 2015/16. The main scenario in which the transfer is allowed and worthwhile is where:

  • one of the spouses has little income and is therefore not using the personal allowance
  • the other spouse does not pay tax at the higher or additional rate.

The default route for applying is online. If you are an employer, it is a good idea to signpost your employees to gov.uk/marriage-allowance-guide. This link gives full information as to eligibility, how to apply and a link to the online application.

As we get towards the end of the tax year, couples may have a better idea as to whether they qualify. If a successful application is made, changes to the personal allowances are backdated to 6 April 2015. In future years the personal allowance will transfer automatically to the spouse until either of the couple cancels the Marriage Allowance or there is a change in circumstances.

Exeter Living Awards Accounting and Tax Services for Landlords

© 2025 Peplows. All rights reserved.

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.

Peplows Limited Registered in England Company Number: 03133714. Regulated for a range of investment business activities by the ICAEW.
Registered Office: Moorgate House, King Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2LG. A list of Directors is available at the Registered Office.
Peplows Audit Limited Registered in England Company Number: 16058884. Registered to carry on audit work in the UK by the ICAEW.
Registered Office: Moorgate House, King Street, Newton Abbot TQ12 2LG. A list of Directors is available at the Registered Office.
Details about our audit registration can be viewed at www.auditregister.org.uk, under reference number C011007443