Couples can apply for key benefit and get lump sum payment of £1,000

Couples are being encouraged to apply for a key benefit that could result in a lump sum payment of £1,000.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is advising people to submit their Marriage Allowance application before the new tax year begins in April. The HMRC has stated that individuals can choose to backdate their claim for the past 4 tax years.

Eligible couples could receive a lump-sum payment worth over £1,000, as well as reducing their tax bill for the 2023 to 2024 tax year by up to £252. Marriage Allowance helps couples save money by allowing the lower earner or non-earner to reduce their partner's tax amount by transferring up to £1,260 of their Personal Allowance to their husband, wife or civil partner, Wales Online reports.

The simplest way to claim Marriage Allowance is online via GOV.UK.

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Angela MacDonald, HMRC's Deputy Chief Executive and Second Permanent Secretary, said: "Marriage Allowance keeps money in your pocket by reducing the amount of tax you and your spouse pay by up to £252 a year. You can check your eligibility and apply on GOV.UK. Search 'Marriage Allowance' to find out more."

To benefit from this tax relief, one partner must earn less than the Personal Allowance of £12,570, and the higher earning partner's income must be between £12,571 and £50,270 (£43,662 in Scotland).

HMRC has revealed that March is the most popular month for Marriage Allowance applications, with nearly 70,000 couples applying in March last year. You can quickly check if you're eligible by using the online Marriage Allowance Calculator.

The Marriage Allowance lets you transfer up to 10% of your tax-free Personal Allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. The