By Richard Johnstone in Manchester | 30 September 2013
Four million couples will benefit from a marriage tax break being introduced by the government from April 2015, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.
The allowance will permit individuals to transfer up to £1,000 of any unused personal tax allowance to their spouse or civil partner, meaning that nearly 4 million couples could save up to £200 a year, Cameron said. However, it will not be available to couples that include higher rate taxpayers.
Announcing the scheme on Saturday, Cameron said it had been designed to benefit millions of couples on middle and lower incomes who are married or in civil partnerships.
He said he believed it was important to recognise marriage in the tax system.
‘There is something special about marriage: it’s a declaration of commitment, responsibility and stability that helps to bind families. The values of marriage are give and take, support and sacrifice – values that we need more of in this country.
‘From April 2015, if neither of you are higher-rate taxpayers, you will be able to transfer £1,000 of your tax-free allowance to your spouse. In effect, if you pay the basic rate of tax and your partner doesn't use all of their personal allowance, you'll be able to have some of it. Most couples who benefit will be £200 a year better off as a result.’
