Marriage Allowance Calculator
Check if you qualify for UK marriage allowance and how much you'd save.
About this tool
Enter both partners' yearly incomes, say whether the higher earner pays Scottish income tax, and whether you'd have qualified in past years. The tool checks eligibility, shows the saving for this year and what a backdated claim could be worth, and explains why if you don't qualify.
Who can claim marriage allowance
Marriage allowance lets one spouse or civil partner transfer £1,260 of their personal allowance to the other, reducing the receiving partner's tax by up to £252 a year in 2025/26. You can claim if you're married or in a civil partnership, the partner giving the allowance earns less than the £12,570 personal allowance, and the partner receiving it pays income tax at the basic rate only. That means income up to £50,270 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or up to £43,662 in Scotland (the starter, basic and intermediate rates). It's common where one partner doesn't work, works part-time, is a student or has only a small pension. Claims can be backdated up to four previous tax years if you were eligible, so a first claim can be worth up to £1,260 including this year. For example, partners earning £8,000 and £32,000 qualify for the full £252. If the lower earner's income is close to £12,570, giving away £1,260 can push some of their income into tax, which cuts the household saving. At £12,000, the net gain is £114. The allowance carries on each year until you cancel it or your circumstances change. Apply free on GOV.UK; you don't need to pay a claims company. Honest limits: if either of you was born before 6 April 1935, married couple's allowance may be worth more, and Budgets can change the rules. This isn't tax advice. The UK income tax calculator is related.
Frequently asked questions
How much is marriage allowance worth?
Up to £252 a year in 2025/26, plus up to four backdated years, worth up to £1,260 in total for a first claim.
Who is eligible for marriage allowance?
Married couples or civil partners where one earns under £12,570 and the other is a basic-rate taxpayer, or starter, basic or intermediate rate in Scotland.
Do I need a company to claim it?
No. Apply free on GOV.UK. Claims companies take a share of your refund.
Is anything stored?
No. The check runs in your browser and nothing is stored or sent.