We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
Issues when reversing married tax allowance

MyQuestion
Posts: 2 Newbie

in Cutting tax
Has anyone else experienced issues when wishing to take back their married tax allowance (MTA)?
I phoned HMRC in April 2024, as when I made an online request to reclaim my married tax allowance back from my husband, it stated that this would only occur from 5th April 2025!!!!
I phoned HMRC in April 2024, as when I made an online request to reclaim my married tax allowance back from my husband, it stated that this would only occur from 5th April 2025!!!!
Can you imagine my shock when HMRC informed me that this was correct!!!!
It was explained that as I’d made my request TWO weeks after the 5th April 2024, I could NOT get my allowance back until the next tax year (25/26); apparently I’d missed the tax year change DEADLINE - not only is this not stated on any advertisement or application form when setting up MTA it’s only on really digging to find (which I did after phone-call), does it state this anywhere; WHY?
On further discussion I was informed that had I LEFT my husband or he’d DIED, I COULD reclaim it - how is this right - it’s MY allowance and I should be able to use it myself, regardless !!!!!
So, not only am I having to deal with my husband having to leave his job, due to ill health (would not be returning to employment for the foreseeable future) and the lack of income due to this, we are further penalised by me having to pay tax on everything I earn over £11310 (gave husband £1260 MTA), when I don’t even earn over the £12570 tax threshold!!
On further discussion I was informed that had I LEFT my husband or he’d DIED, I COULD reclaim it - how is this right - it’s MY allowance and I should be able to use it myself, regardless !!!!!
So, not only am I having to deal with my husband having to leave his job, due to ill health (would not be returning to employment for the foreseeable future) and the lack of income due to this, we are further penalised by me having to pay tax on everything I earn over £11310 (gave husband £1260 MTA), when I don’t even earn over the £12570 tax threshold!!
It’s only £158 in Tax, but it’s the principle as I shouldn’t have to pay ANY
The question is WHY can I apply at ANY TIME of the year to give MTA to my spouse AND have it backdate to April 2020, but NOT reclaim its use IMMEDIATELY without the split or death caveat?
Be carful when you apply to reclaim your Married Tax Allowance)!!!
0
Comments
-
MyQuestion said:It was explained that as I’d made my request TWO weeks after the 5th April 2024, I could NOT get my allowance back until the next tax year (25/26); apparently I’d missed the tax year change DEADLINE - not only is this not stated on any advertisement or application form when setting up MTA it’s only on really digging to find (which I did after phone-call), does it state this anywhere; WHY?https://www.gov.uk/marriage-allowance/if-your-circumstances-change
After you cancel
If you cancel because of a change of income, the allowance will run until the end of the tax year (5 April).
If your relationship has ended, the change may be backdated to the start of the tax year (6 April).
This might mean you or your partner underpays tax for the year.
If your partner dies
If your partner dies after you’ve transferred some of your Personal Allowance to them:
- their estate will be treated as having the increased Personal Allowance
- your Personal Allowance will go back to the normal amount
Obviously this just explains how it works, rather than justifying it, but if you feel strongly about it, you could lobby your MP?2 -
I won’t apologise for being shouty, as I feel it is so unjust, but your suggestion re contacting my MP is one I will act on. Change only occurs if you take action. Thank you0
-
MyQuestion said:I won’t apologise for being shouty, as I feel it is so unjust, but your suggestion re contacting my MP is one I will act on. Change only occurs if you take action. Thank youThe withdrawal of an election under subsection (4) does not, except in the cases dealt with by subsection (7) [end of relationship], have effect until the tax year after the one in which the notice is given.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2007/3/section/55D0
-
MyQuestion said:Has anyone else experienced issues when wishing to take back their married tax allowance (MTA)?
I phoned HMRC in April 2024, as when I made an online request to reclaim my married tax allowance back from my husband, it stated that this would only occur from 5th April 2025!!!!Can you imagine my shock when HMRC informed me that this was correct!!!!It was explained that as I’d made my request TWO weeks after the 5th April 2024, I could NOT get my allowance back until the next tax year (25/26); apparently I’d missed the tax year change DEADLINE - not only is this not stated on any advertisement or application form when setting up MTA it’s only on really digging to find (which I did after phone-call), does it state this anywhere; WHY?
On further discussion I was informed that had I LEFT my husband or he’d DIED, I COULD reclaim it - how is this right - it’s MY allowance and I should be able to use it myself, regardless !!!!!
So, not only am I having to deal with my husband having to leave his job, due to ill health (would not be returning to employment for the foreseeable future) and the lack of income due to this, we are further penalised by me having to pay tax on everything I earn over £11310 (gave husband £1260 MTA), when I don’t even earn over the £12570 tax threshold!!It’s only £158 in Tax, but it’s the principle as I shouldn’t have to pay ANYThe question is WHY can I apply at ANY TIME of the year to give MTA to my spouse AND have it backdate to April 2020, but NOT reclaim its use IMMEDIATELY without the split or death caveat?Be carful when you apply to reclaim your Married Tax Allowance)!!!
But have you considered checking with your husband if he would consider applying for Marriage Allowance for the current tax year 🤔
Obviously the overall impact of this will depend on his income, which you haven't mentioned. But the inference from your post is that he isn't able to benefit from it. If his taxable income is going to be £11,310 or less in this tax year it could be you get your £158 back.
0 -
MyQuestion said:I won’t apologise for being shouty, as I feel it is so unjust, but your suggestion re contacting my MP is one I will act on. Change only occurs if you take action. Thank you
The MTA is a concession in the first place, which you have benefitted from.
The rules about changing it are part of the MTA.
So whilst benefitting from MTA ( which could easily be withdrawn by the Govt full stop) you were happy, but now you do not like one aspect of it you are unhappy.
When it comes to tax ' swings and roundabouts' is often the case.3 -
Dazed_and_C0nfused said:MyQuestion said:Has anyone else experienced issues when wishing to take back their married tax allowance (MTA)?
I phoned HMRC in April 2024, as when I made an online request to reclaim my married tax allowance back from my husband, it stated that this would only occur from 5th April 2025!!!!Can you imagine my shock when HMRC informed me that this was correct!!!!It was explained that as I’d made my request TWO weeks after the 5th April 2024, I could NOT get my allowance back until the next tax year (25/26); apparently I’d missed the tax year change DEADLINE - not only is this not stated on any advertisement or application form when setting up MTA it’s only on really digging to find (which I did after phone-call), does it state this anywhere; WHY?
On further discussion I was informed that had I LEFT my husband or he’d DIED, I COULD reclaim it - how is this right - it’s MY allowance and I should be able to use it myself, regardless !!!!!
So, not only am I having to deal with my husband having to leave his job, due to ill health (would not be returning to employment for the foreseeable future) and the lack of income due to this, we are further penalised by me having to pay tax on everything I earn over £11310 (gave husband £1260 MTA), when I don’t even earn over the £12570 tax threshold!!It’s only £158 in Tax, but it’s the principle as I shouldn’t have to pay ANYThe question is WHY can I apply at ANY TIME of the year to give MTA to my spouse AND have it backdate to April 2020, but NOT reclaim its use IMMEDIATELY without the split or death caveat?Be carful when you apply to reclaim your Married Tax Allowance)!!!
But have you considered checking with your husband if he would consider applying for Marriage Allowance for the current tax year 🤔
Obviously the overall impact of this will depend on his income, which you haven't mentioned. But the inference from your post is that he isn't able to benefit from it. If his taxable income is going to be £11,310 or less in this tax year it could be you get your £158 back.0
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 350.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.8K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.2K Spending & Discounts
- 243.3K Work, Benefits & Business
- 597.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.6K Life & Family
- 256.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards