Millions of married couples could be owed up to £1,220 by HMRC – check if you’re eligible

MILLIONS of married couples are missing out on up to £1,220 in tax relief this year, according to HMRC.

As many as 2.4 million couples have not claimed the marriage allowance they become eligible for after tying the knot.

The tax relief lets married couples and those in civil partnerships share their personal tax allowances, which can slash hundreds off the yearly tax bill.

You can transfer up to a maximum of £1,260 in unused allowance, which would mean saving £252 off your income tax bill this year.

But you are also allowed to backdate your claim for up to four years as long as you met the criteria.

This would net you an extra £970 in tax savings bringing the total amount you’ve got back up to £1,220.

To qualify, one person in the couple must be a basic rate taxpayer and the other a non-taxpayer. 

That means non-taxpayer must have earned an income below their Personal Allowance threshold of £12,570 this year.

The higher earner must earn less than £50,270 in England or £43,662 in Scotland to qualify as a basic rate payer.

Nearly 1.8 million married couples and civil partnerships are already making use of the extra tax relief.

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.”

How do I apply for the marriage tax allowance?

Only the lower fee payer or non-taxpayer can apply.

The easiest way is to fill out a form on the .

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 .

The requirements you must meet include being a married couple or civil partnership – and being 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.